The summer heat can take a toll on the garden, including killing lawns and plants, which makes now a great time to get it in great condition.

Nick Ee, product and training manager at BLACK+DECKER, said: “Although autumn is still a couple of months away, there are several tasks you can tackle now to prepare your garden for the next season.

“Consider maintaining your lawn, pruning any dead or diseased plants, and cleaning your tools so they’re ready for future gardening projects.

“Ensuring these tasks are done ahead of time will result in a well-maintained and resilient garden that can withstand the challenges of colder weather.”

1. Prep the lawn

According to the expert, it’s extremely important to aerate, scarify and fertilise the lawn to help it throughout the autumn.

Scarifying helps to remove dead grass, roots and debris otherwise known as thatch which stops nutrients from reaching the soil.

Nick said: “Removing this layer helps to prevent the lawn from becoming waterlogged and promotes healthier grass growth.

“Use a manual rake for small lawns or an electric scarifier for larger areas, setting the blades shallow for the first pass.

“After removing debris, aerate the lawn for better soil and root health, then fertilise and seed bare patches for regrowth.”

2. Prune plants

Pruning dead or diseased plants in summer ahead of autumn can prove to be very beneficial for improving overall health.

Using a sharp pruning tool, make clean cuts to remove dead or diseased branches and shape the tree or plant to encourage healthy growth.

Nick noted: “This helps to improve air circulation and sunlight exposure for the upcoming growing season.

“Make sure to clean up pruned branches and debris from around the tree to avoid the spread of disease. 

“If you are unsure about how to prune a specific type of tree or if the tree is large and requires extensive pruning, consider consulting with a specialist.”

3. Clean and store gardening tools

When finishing up gardening jobs for the summer, it’s time to start thinking about prepping equipment for the next season, making sure all tools are cleaned and repaired for use in autumn.

Storing them correctly is important to ensure they are protected from rust and moisture damage.

The expert continued: “Before putting your tools away, give them a good clean by wiping them down with a degreaser and steel wool brush depending on the material. 

“When it comes to storing whether this is in the garage or shed, always make sure power tools are off the ground to avoid moisture damage.”