With a record-breaking summer almost behind us, we’ve reached that point in the season where the garden starts to feel a little different. The evenings are gradually becoming shorter, the air has a cooler edge, and before we know it, the first leaves will begin to drift onto paths and lawns. While there’s still plenty of life left in the garden, it’s a good time to start thinking about the season ahead – and we’re here to help.
At Sherman & Young Timber, we’ve been supporting trade and DIY projects across the North West for more than 50 years. From timber and fixings to decking and fencing, we’ve got everything you need for all your garden maintenance jobs. So, if you’ve been wondering how to prepare your garden for autumn, here are some tasks worth putting on your end-of-summer checklist.
Inspect your garden
Before you get started, take a walk around your garden and look at it as a whole. Summer can leave its mark on outdoor spaces, particularly after periods of heavy use and dry weather, so this is a useful opportunity to work out where your attention will be most valuable. Think about the areas that have had the most use and the features that have been exposed to the elements. Are any fence panels looking loose or damaged? Does your gate still open and close properly? Have paths, steps or other frequently used areas developed problems that need addressing?
It’s also a good time to look at drainage. Clear any leaves, weeds or other debris from accessible drains, gullies and water outlets now, so they’re ready for the wetter weather and heavier leaf fall that autumn can bring.
Deal with summer wear while the conditions are still favourable
Your lawn can tell you a lot about how much use your garden has had over the summer, with regular foot traffic, pets, dry spells and outdoor furniture all leaving grass looking thinner or more worn than it did in spring. The end of summer is a useful time to address these problems, as early autumn can provide good conditions for lawn repair and allow grass to establish before the colder part of the year. For smaller bare patches, remove the damaged grass, gently loosen the soil and sow a suitable grass seed; in comparison, larger areas may be easier to repair with turf.
Your borders can benefit from a little attention too, particularly if summer growth has left them looking crowded or untidy. That might mean removing annuals that have finished flowering or clearing away foliage that has completely died back, while taking care not to disturb healthy plants that are still growing. Focus on removing material that’s dead, damaged or showing signs of disease, and leave healthy stems where they can continue to contribute to the garden through winter.
Give your decking some attention before the rain sets in
Decking often becomes one of the busiest parts of a garden during summer, so the end of the season is a natural point to assess how it’s held up. Start with a thorough sweep, paying particular attention to the gaps between boards and areas around steps where leaves, dirt and other debris can collect. Keeping the surface clear makes it easier to see its condition and reduces the chance of organic debris building up over time.
Next, check the boards themselves. Look for anything that appears damaged, loose or out of place, and pay attention to steps and handrails if your decking has them. If something needs repairing or replacing, dealing with it while the weather is still reasonably settled can be much more convenient than waiting until you’re having to navigate persistent rain. The same principle applies to your fencing – take a few minutes to check for issues like loose boards or wobbly posts, and tackle major problems before your fencing has to face the brunt of autumn’s wind and rain.
Make the most of the weather by tackling timber maintenance
Autumn and winter can be tough on outdoor timber, so the end of summer is a useful time to check whether your fencing, gates, sheds or other timber features need some attention. Many exterior paints, stains and timber treatments need suitable temperatures and conditions to apply and dry properly, so tackling the work while the weather is still favourable means you can achieve an even finish and protect your timber through the harsher seasons ahead.
Prepare your garden for shorter days and changing weather
Some end-of-summer garden maintenance jobs aren’t particularly exciting, but doing them now can make your outdoor space much easier to manage once the days become shorter. What’s more, taking care of them while you’re still spending plenty of time outdoors means you’re less likely to discover a problem on the first cold or wet evening of the year.
Outdoor storage is a great place to start. Give your shed a tidy, clean your tools and make sure frequently used equipment is easy to reach. Summer items that won’t be needed as often can be cleaned and stored away, while anything lightweight that could be moved by strong winds should be secured appropriately.
As the evenings become darker earlier, it’s also worth thinking about outdoor lighting. Make sure paths, steps and entrances are adequately lit and that any existing lights are working as they should, keeping your space safe and enjoyable even through the gloomier months.
Use what summer has taught you to plan future improvements
The end of summer is a perfect point for reflection, with the busiest outdoor season often highlighting features that aren’t quite working in your garden. Perhaps you’ve spent the season wishing your decking was larger, or are interested in exploring a more low-maintenance material like composite; maybe your fence no longer provides the look or privacy you want, or you’ve realised that there’s a particular area of your space that could be put to better use.
Whatever you’ve noticed, there’s no need to rush into a decision. Use the months ahead to think about how you want the space to look and work, explore your options and plan your project properly. Taking measurements, considering your budget and choosing suitable materials now means you can have everything organised well before next spring and summer, rather than trying to pull everything together at the last minute.
Those are a few of our top end-of-summer garden maintenance jobs! With a little preparation now, you can give your autumn garden a great start, especially with our first-class products and outstanding customer service by your side.
As a leading Wigan timber merchant, we’ve spent decades supporting jobs of all shapes and sizes, and as you get ready for autumn, we’re here to help. Explore our full range of products online today, or give us a call on 01942 727 314 for advice on your next project.
