One 'must-do' garden task to prevent grass from 'rotting' in autumn

As autumn approaches and colder temperatures set in, gardeners are urged to prepare their outdoor spaces for the winter months ahead.

The fallen leaves that create such an impressive carpet of colour at this time of year may be beautiful, but they can be a killer for well-cared-for lawns. To ensure your grass looks lovely next year, gardening expert Jack Stooks has shared one 'must-do' chore which will keep your grass thriving, even in the colder weather.

In an exclusive interview with FruitySlots.com, the expert emphasized the importance of maintaining outdoor spaces before winter, highlighting key jobs that can prevent damage during the colder months.

One critical task Stooks identified is clearing fallen leaves, which he described as a "vital job to prevent garden chaos and potential damage to lawns."

He said: "An obvious job for Autumn will be tidying up the leaves, and it’s probably the most vital job you can do. You should be raking the leaves so they’re out of the way and the borders are tidy."

The expert continues: "When it starts to get colder, you won’t do as much lawn mowing, so it’s good to start maintaining your garden now. When you’ve done this, you can gather the leaves into a pile, so they’re all together.

"If you don’t tidy up your leaves, they will become a bit of a mess and unmanageable, leading some of the grass to rot.”

According to additional advice from the Royal Horticultural Society, gardeners should: "Remove fallen leaves from lawns so they don’t smother the grass, blocking out light and moisture. Raking is the best option, but on large lawns, a leaf-blower will make the job much easier."

They also advise that gardeners collect leaves little and often as they drop, rather than waiting for an entire tree's worth to fall, which can take much longer, adding: "Be considerate of hedgehogs when moving piles of leaves.⁣"

In addition to leaf management, Stooks advised pruning bushes and shrubs before icy conditions set in. By cutting back plants, gardeners can prevent damage caused by snowfall or frost.

The expert warns: "Branches can snap under the weight of ice or snow, which can cause significant harm to the plant," adding that unchecked damage could lead to the loss of entire plants.

Stooks also encouraged gardeners to take advantage of the autumn season by purchasing bare-root roses, which he said are more affordable now than other flowers. "They’re great to plant in late autumn, and they’ll come to life in the spring, adding a burst of colour to your garden," he explained.

Finally, the gardening expert urged homeowners to take the time to clean and organize their gardens before winter sets in. This includes cleaning plant pots and storing them properly to avoid frost damage, as well as clearing out any old or unneeded plants.

He said: "Now is the perfect time to give your garden a refresh. Make sure everything is clean and ready to go for the next planting season."

By following these expert tips, gardeners can ensure their outdoor spaces remain healthy and manageable through the colder months.