The Lawncare Guide - September

The green, green grass of home

If you have prepared the ground for a new lawn you can start seeding or do it nearer the end of the month into October depending on the weather. If you have sown a new lawn it should germinate after ten to fourteen days and when it reaches 2 to 3cm (1”) high it will benefit from a light rolling.


When it’s 6.5cm (2½”) long it can have its first cut with the cutting deck or mower blades set 2.5cm (1”) high to encourage growth. It’s important to ensure the blades on the mower are sharp for a smooth cut without ripping the new grass. If you are laying turves for a new lawn it’s better to wait until October to November when the ground will be wetter but still retaining warmth to promote growth.

A lot of work now depends on what the weather has been doing in your area. Many locations have had plenty of rain to keep the grass green, others may find there is a good deal of compaction and waterlogging. When conditions allow, a good scarifying and spiking/aerating will help get rid of moss and thatch, opening up the topsoil to let air and water in. Once done, the lawn will benefit from fertilising, top dressing and even overseeding, though not all at the same time.

Mowing will be less frequent now and as the grass growth slows towards the end of the month, raise the height of your mowing deck on your garden tractor or mower towards your winter cutting height: ornamental grass 12-18mm; leisure grass 20-25mm; utility grass 25mm+. This will provide the grass with more protection through the winter months.