McHale GardensSummer leaves lawns thin, compacted and full of moss and dead thatch. Our autumn renovation deals with each of those problems in turn, so the grass can come back thicker by spring.
What's included
Six steps, each one dealing with a different reason lawns struggle:
- 1Cut shortA low mow so the machines, and later the seed, can get down to the soil.
- 2ScarifyPulls out moss and the dead thatch that smothers the grass. It brings up a lot of material, which is why the lawn looks rough for a while.
- 3AerateRelieves compacted ground so water, air and feed reach the roots.
- 4OverseedFresh seed to thicken up thin and bare patches.
- 5Autumn feedStrengthens the grass through winter.
- 6Clear upEverything left neat, with simple aftercare advice.
When to do it
The best window is late September to mid October, while the soil is still warm and moist. That's what new grass seed needs to get established before winter.
A lawn shouldn't be worked on when the ground is frozen, waterlogged or bone dry. If the weather stops us, we'll rebook you at the next free slot, at no charge.
How it's priced
- Labour at £28 per person per hour, the same rate as all our work. We're not VAT registered, so there's no VAT to add.
- Seed and feed are charged at cost, with no markup, and paid before the job. The amount depends on the size of your lawn, so it helps if you can tell us roughly how big it is (length × width).
- Scarifying brings up a lot of moss and thatch. We can bag it for your garden waste bin, or take it away: tip runs are £20 each plus the disposal site's fees, charged at cost.
- Bookings start at 4 hours. If your lawn is small, we'll combine the renovation with a hedge trim, leaf clearance or a tidy-up so you get the most from the visit.
- You'll get a free estimate before any work starts, with everything listed.
What affects the time
- The size of the lawn.
- How much moss and thatch there is. A very mossy or neglected lawn can need more than one pass with the scarifier.
- Slopes, awkward shapes, and beds or trees to work around.
- Access for the machines, such as steps or a narrow side gate.
- Corners and edges that need raking by hand.
What to expect afterwards
For two or three weeks the lawn will look rough, with thin patches where the moss and thatch came out. That's normal: the new grass comes through thicker and greener in time for spring.
- Keep off the lawn for a few weeks while the new seed gets going.
- Water it if the weather turns dry.
- Give it a first light cut once the new grass is a few centimetres tall.
Lawn renovation questions
Why autumn rather than spring?
Autumn gives new grass the best start: the soil is still warm from the summer and usually moist, and the seed has time to establish before winter. Late September to mid October is the best window.
Will my lawn look worse at first?
Yes, for two or three weeks. Scarifying pulls out a lot of moss and dead thatch, so the lawn looks thin while the new seed comes through. It then comes back thicker.
Can I use the lawn afterwards?
It's best to keep off it for a few weeks so the new seed isn't disturbed. Water it if it's dry, and give it a first light cut when the new grass is a few centimetres tall.
My lawn is small. Can you still do it?
Yes. Bookings start at 4 hours, so we'll combine the renovation with a hedge trim, leaf clearance or a tidy-up on the same visit to make the most of it.
What if my lawn is too far gone?
If it's more weeds and moss than grass, starting again with new turf can be quicker and more reliable. See turfing and new lawns.
What happens if it rains?
If the weather stops us, we'll rebook you at the next free slot, at no charge.