Tim McNamara, owner of The Lawn Business, on why autumn is crucial for lawn recovery after this year's challenging conditions
What a year 2025 has been for our lawns! Continued high temperatures, very low rainfall and storms have truly tested grass across Altrincham. Many lawns may recover with decent autumn rainfall, but others need complete renovation - and autumn is usually the best time for reviving damaged grass.
Renovation Options: Turf vs Seed
Both solutions require excellent ground preparation - bare topsoil that's properly aerated and raked to fine tilth for strong root establishment.
Turf offers immediate visual impact but costs around £7-8 per square metre. It's ideal for instant results.
Seeding is significantly cheaper and, whilst slower to establish (first cut around four weeks after sowing), lets you choose grass varieties suited to your specific conditions.
Critical Success Factors
Ground Preparation - Thatch, dead grass and thick moss must all be removed to ensure proper soil contact. Many lawns have dried to hard-pan and need breaking up and raking. Consider cutting back overhanging vegetation first to improve rain access and ventilation.
Water Management - Many lawns remain very dry, making water essential for renovation success. Don't assume autumn rain will arrive - be prepared for potentially daily watering for several weeks.
Timing - Don't underestimate how long proper ground preparation takes. With winter approaching, establishing strong roots quickly is crucial for surviving colder weather and thriving come spring 2026.
Preparing for Winter
Lawn care continues beyond summer! Good soil aeration improves surface drainage, especially where grass coverage has thinned and soil has compacted. Treat moss early to prevent spreading - rake it out and reseed affected areas.
Grass continues growing in winter, so consider light fertiliser treatment (low nitrogen) to encourage root development and maintain leaf colour.
Keep collecting fallen leaves! Leaf accumulation kills underlying grass, requiring spring renovation work.
Looking Ahead
The extreme conditions of 2025 have highlighted water retention challenges. We've seen increased interest in "wetting agents" - biodegradable granules that enhance water absorption, making irrigation more efficient. Given this year's lessons, we'll be recommending spring 2026 wetting agent treatments as preventative measures.
For more information about The Lawn Business, visit thelawnbusiness.co.uk, email info@thelawnbusiness.co.uk or call/text Tim on 07974 201098.
