Autumn Lawn Care in Norwich: How to Prepare Your Grass for Winter

As summer fades and the days grow shorter, many homeowners in Norwich wonder how best to keep their lawns healthy through autumn and into winter. September is the perfect time to start preparing your grass for colder weather. With the right care now, you’ll enjoy a greener, thicker lawn when spring returns. In this guide, our Norwich lawn care experts share practical steps you can take this autumn - from mowing and aeration to weed control and reseeding - so your garden looks its best all year round.

9/25/20252 min read

Red autumn leaves showing the change of the season

Why Autumn Lawn Care Matters in Norwich

Norwich gardens face a mix of damp conditions, falling leaves, and lower temperatures from September onward. Without proper care, lawns can become patchy, mossy, or waterlogged. Preparing now helps to:

Strengthen grass roots before frost arrives
Prevent moss and weed growth over winter
Improve drainage in heavy autumn rains
Keep your lawn looking neat and tidy during the colder months

Step 1: Adjust Your Lawn Mowing

Regular mowing is still important in September, but the approach changes:

Lower frequency: Instead of weekly cuts, aim for every 2–3 weeks.
Raise the blade height: Cut grass to around 4–5cm. This length protects roots from frost and helps the lawn retain nutrients.
Edge neatly: Use a strimmer or edging tool to keep borders sharp.

Tip: Our lawn mowing services in Norwich are available year-round to help keep your grass in shape without overcutting.

Step 2: Scarify to Remove Thatch and Moss

Scarifying involves raking out thatch (dead grass, roots, moss) that blocks nutrients and air. Autumn is the ideal season for scarifying because the soil is still warm and grass can recover quickly.

Use a scarifying rake or hire a powered scarifier.
Work the rake across the lawn in different directions.
Collect the debris for composting or disposal.

This process gives your lawn space to “breathe” and makes way for new growth.

Step 3: Aerate Your Lawn

Compacted soil is a common issue in Norwich gardens, especially after summer use. Aeration solves this by allowing water, nutrients, and oxygen to reach the grass roots.

For small lawns: Use a garden fork to create holes every 10–15cm.
For larger lawns: A hollow-tine aerator works best, removing plugs of soil.
After aerating, brush sharp sand or compost into the holes to improve drainage.

Step 4: Feed and Fertilise

Autumn feeding strengthens grass roots and prepares them for winter. Use a low-nitrogen, high-potassium fertiliser designed for autumn lawns. This encourages root growth and disease resistance rather than soft leafy growth.

Apply evenly using a spreader, and always follow the product instructions to avoid scorching.

Step 5: Overseed Bare Patches

If your lawn has thin or bare areas, September is the best month to overseed. The soil is warm enough for seeds to germinate, and regular rainfall helps them establish.

Rake the area lightly to loosen soil.
Scatter quality grass seed suited to Norwich’s climate.
Cover with a thin layer of compost or topsoil.
Keep watered until the new shoots appear.

Step 6: Weed and Moss Control

Damp autumn conditions often encourage moss growth and persistent weeds. After scarifying and aerating, apply a moss killer or combined autumn lawn treatment if needed. For weeds, spot-treat problem areas with a selective lawn weedkiller.

Step 7: Clear Leaves Regularly

Professional Lawn Care Services in Norwich

Autumn lawn care takes time and the right equipment. If you’d rather enjoy your weekends without the hassle, our Norwich lawn care services cover everything from mowing and scarifying to aeration, feeding, and leaf clearance. We tailor our approach to your garden’s needs, ensuring your lawn stays healthy through autumn and winter.

Final Thoughts

September is the key month for autumn lawn care in Norwich. By mowing correctly, aerating, scarifying, feeding, and clearing leaves, you’ll give your lawn the best chance to thrive when spring arrives.

If you need help preparing your garden, get in touch with Norwich Garden Services today for a free quote. We’ll handle the hard work so you can enjoy a lush, healthy lawn all year round.