November Lawn Care: Aerate, Rake, and Rest

As growth slows and leaves blanket the ground, November is the perfect month to give your lawn some targeted TLC before winter. Smart, gentle care now means greener, healthier grass that bounces back fast in spring. Here’s your essential late-autumn checklist for November lawn care:

1. Rake Up Leaves and Debris

• Regularly rake fallen leaves, twigs, acorns, and moss from the grass.
• Leaves left to rot can smother grass, encourage moss, and attract pests.
• Collected leaves can be composted or piled for leaf mold.

2. Aerate Compacted Soil

• Use a garden fork or manual aerator to make holes 10–15 cm (4–6 in) apart across worn areas and high-traffic patches.
• Aeration improves drainage, lets air get to the roots, and helps lawns dry faster after rain.

3. Repair Bald or Thin Patches

• If you notice bare spots, rake to loosen the soil, sprinkle with grass seed, and gently firm.
• Top-dress with fine compost or sieved soil, then water in if it’s mild or dry.

4. Mow (Only If Necessary)

• Only mow if the grass is still growing and the ground is firm—not frosty or sodden.
• Raise the mower blades—cutting too short stresses the lawn going into winter.

5. Rest Your Lawn

• Avoid walking, playing, or wheeling bins on the grass during frosty or very wet conditions. Compaction and wear now can cause major problems next year.
• Put up paths or stepping stones if you need regular access.

6. Edge and Tidy Borders

• Use a half-moon edger to neaten up lawn boundaries while the soil is still workable.
• Tidy edges prevent grass creeping into beds come spring.

7. Prep and Store Equipment

• Clean mower blades and store mowers, rakes, and hoses somewhere dry and secure.
• Drain petrol from power mowers as needed.

With careful raking, light aeration, and gentle treatment, your November lawn will head into winter strong, weed-free, and ready to spring back into lush green growth when warmth returns.