Lawn

The lawn in November

Continue to rake fallen leaves before they block out light and air to the grass. Leaf blowers can be used, but wet leaves can prove tricky to remove with a blower. The grass will continue to grow (if slower) if the air temperatures are above 5°C, so assuming the weather is mild the lawn can be mown with the blades set high (around 3-5mm higher than summer) which will prevent turf stress. generally cutting heights will be around 40mm. This will help with annual weeds which took seed in autumn.

The chances are this will be the last time you use your mower before winter sets in and spring comes back so when you put it away. Make sure it is clean and dry before storing it. If it is a petrol engined machine, drain the fuel out. Unleaded petrol does not store for any length of time and can cause problems when you start it up again in spring.

In the unlikely event that the weather is mild, scarification, aeration and top dressing can still be carried out assuming that the soil is not waterlogged, don't stay away from it if it is frosty, very wet weather or (obviously) snow!

Avoid the temptation of walking on a lawn on a frosty before it has had chance to warm up as this can damage the grass... generally in footprint shaped marks!

Do not apply weed killers or fertiliser, but if the weather is mild, turf may still be laid. (Do not sow grass seed at this time of year).