A dense, green spring lawn is not made in spring — it is set up in autumn. Proper autumn care reduces winter damage, moss growth and spring restoration work. Here is the sequence based on our experience.
The last mow: when and how short?
Grass keeps growing as long as the average daily temperature stays above +5°C — in Harju County that usually means mowing until the end of October, in some years into early November. Do the last mow once growth has clearly slowed.
On the last visit, mow slightly lower than usual, to about 4–5 cm. Grass that is too long collapses under the snow and starts to mould (snow mould), while mowing too short weakens the roots. Be sure to collect the clippings from the final mow — they must not stay on the lawn over winter.
Should you fertilize in autumn?
Yes, but with the right fertilizer. Autumn fertilizer is low in nitrogen and high in potassium — potassium strengthens cell walls and improves winter hardiness. Regular spring fertilizer (high nitrogen) must not be used in autumn, as it pushes the grass to grow just when growth should stop. Apply autumn fertilizer in September or early October.
Aeration: autumn or spring?
We recommend doing the main aeration in spring, after the ground has firmed up — that removes the thatch built up over winter and gives the lawn oxygen at the start of the growing season. Lawns with compacted soil or a tendency toward moss can also be aerated in autumn; September is the last suitable month. We aerate over 100,000 m² of lawn every spring, so it pays to book spring aeration with fertilizing early.
Autumn checklist
The sequence for a Harju County home garden: September — autumn fertilizer and aeration if needed; October — first leaf cleanup and mowing according to growth; late October / early November — the last mow to 4–5 cm and clippings collected; before snow — second leaf cleanup, including hard surfaces.
If you want to hand over the whole autumn routine in one order, we do the mowing, leaf collection and removal in a single visit across all of Harju County.
Related services
Lawn mowing
We inspect the lawn, agree on mowing height and schedule, mow with suitable equipment, trim the edges, and clear clippings from paths and paved areas.
Lawn aeration & fertilizing
We assess the lawn, aerate it in spring once the ground has firmed up, collect the thatch, and fertilize so the grass can grow back denser.
Leaf collection & removal
We rake or blow leaves into piles, clean lawns, paths, and bed edges, load the leaves, and take them to a waste facility if removal is ordered.
