October
Adjusting Maintenance for Autumn Conditions
As the seasons change, so should your pitch maintenance routine. Cooler temperatures, wetter conditions and shorter daylight hours mean your approach needs to shift to protect the surface and prepare it for the winter months.
Mowing Adjustments
With temperatures dropping, there will be a natural reduction in the frequency of your mowing. It’s important to gradually raise your cutting height to help the grass cope with colder weather and reduced growth. Raising the height too quickly can affect playability, so aim to increase the mowing height over a two to three week period. Ideally, your winter height of cut should be around 10mm higher than your summer mowing height to provide the grass with added protection from wear and stress that winter brings.
Leaf and Debris Removal
October often brings heavier leaf fall, especially on pitches surrounded by trees or after windy spells. Leaves left to sit on the surface can block light, trap moisture, and lead to disease or loss of grass coverage. Regularly clear leaves and other debris using a leaf blower, brush or vacuum to maintain a healthy, playable surface.
Aeration
Continue to aerate your pitch throughout October. Regular aeration improves water infiltration, oxygen exchange, and nutrient uptake, all of which are crucial as growth slows, and rainfall increases. Whether you use mechanical or manual tools, aim to aerate at least once per month during the autumn and winter period to keep the soil structure healthy and the surface performing well.
Last Chance to Seed
October is typically the final opportunity to overseed with Perennial Ryegrass, which is the preferred choice for winter sports. It’s known for its excellent wear tolerance, fast establishment, and adaptability across different soil types. While it can germinate at soil temperatures as low as 4°C, it will establish much more effectively if the soil is still above 10°C. Seeding now will give the grass enough time to take hold before winter dormancy sets in.