I'm a gardening expert - do this to protect your lawn in October and November

Homeowners across Britain are being urged to put their lawnmowers away this month as cooler temperatures slow grass growth. According to gardening expert Lucie Bradley, working with David Wilson Homes, continuing to mow through late autumn could actually harm your lawn and prevent it from recovering over winter.

"Grass grows best when soil and air temperatures are above six degrees Celsius, which usually happens between March and November," Bradley said. "Once it drops below 10 degrees, growth slows dramatically, so late October or early November is the ideal time for your final cut of the year."

However, a recent survey by David Wilson Homes found that one in five homeowners never change how often they mow, regardless of the season.

Many people don't realise how much weather conditions can influence grass growth and lawn health.

Bradley warned that over-mowing or under-mowing can both have negative effects as too much cutting weakens the root system, while leaving it too long between cuts can make the grass dry out faster and become patchy.

The data also showed that nearly half of UK homeowners mow less often than experts recommend, with a quarter cutting their grass just once per season.

Even during winter, 13% of homeowners continue mowing despite the risk of compacting frozen soil, which can suffocate the roots and stunt spring regrowth.

Bradley advised that now is also the perfect time to aerate your lawn before the wetter winter months arrive.

"Use a garden fork or aeration tool to create holes around six inches deep," she said.

"This helps rainwater drain away and keeps the roots healthy." Aeration is especially important after a summer of heavy use, as compacted soil can trap water on the surface and starve the grass of oxygen and nutrients.

Despite being a key part of seasonal lawn care, aeration remains a mystery for many homeowners.

More than a quarter of Brits (27%) admit they don't know what the process involves, and a similar number say the same about scarifying - the removal of moss and thatch that can choke healthy grass.