September Showers. What Heavy Rain Really Does to Your Garden.

MOF Gardens
Sep 14
3 min read

After a hot summer, Charnwood’s now had its fair share of rain - and it doesn’t look like it’s stopping anytime soon. While the odd shower feels refreshing, constant downpours can quickly turn a healthy garden into a mossy, waterlogged headache.

Wet weather doesn’t just make things look untidy - it changes how lawns grow, how hedges hold their shape, and even how safe your patios and paths are to use. Here’s what all this rain really means for your outdoor space, and how to keep on top of things before autumn properly sets in.

From Lush Lawns to Soggy Spaces

Lawns love a bit of rain - but too much can do more harm than good. When soil becomes waterlogged, air can’t get to the roots, leaving grass weak and patchy. Standing water also encourages moss to spread, especially in shady areas.

Add in the fact that damp soil compacts easily underfoot (especially with kids running about), and you’ve got a lawn that looks tired, uneven, and prone to bald spots.

MOF's Practical tips:

Raise your mower blades: Cutting grass too short now stresses it further. Leave it slightly longer going into autumn for stronger roots.
Aerate compacted patches: A simple garden fork will do the job - it helps water drain and air get to the roots.
Overseed thin areas: September’s cooler temps and damp ground actually make it a good time to reseed small bare patches.

Patios & Paths: Slippery When Wet!

Patios and pathways take a beating in wet weather. Rain combined with shade creates perfect conditions for moss and algae, leaving surfaces dangerously slippery. Aside from the safety risk, it makes outdoor spaces look dirty and neglected - not what you want when you’re trying to enjoy the last of the summer evenings or welcome visitors to your property.

DIY scrubbing can help, but moss spores cling deep in cracks and joints, meaning it’ll just come back. A proper pressure wash clears the lot and instantly makes the whole garden look brighter.

MOF's Practical tips:

Sweep after showers: Shifting leaves and debris quickly stops moss taking hold.
Jet wash once a season: Restores paving and reduces slip hazards.
Check drainage: Standing water on patios means blocked drains or poor levels — worth fixing before winter frosts set in.

Hedges & Shrubs: Heavy Growth, Heavy Droop!

Rain encourages hedges and shrubs to put on soft, fast growth. That might sound like a good thing, but left unchecked it quickly makes them unruly - and when branches soak up water, they droop and lose their shape. Over time, that leads to patchy, weak growth and a hedge that’s harder to manage.

A timely trim in September means your hedges go into autumn neat and structured, making them easier to maintain next spring. It also keeps them from blocking paths or growing into neighbouring properties - a common headache in Charnwood villages with tight garden boundaries.

MOF's Practical tips:

Trim on a dry day: Wet leaves clog up equipment and blunt blades.
Cut evenly: Reduces weight and keeps shape balanced.
Clear cuttings straight away: Damp piles of leaves attract pests and encourage mould.

Rental & Commercial Properties: First Impressions Count!

For landlords, letting agents and businesses, September rain means more than muddy lawns. Outdoor spaces are often the first thing tenants, clients, or customers see - and messy gardens send the wrong message. Slippery paths, scruffy hedges, and waterlogged patches aren’t just unsightly, they can also be a liability.

At this time of year, we help a lot of student landlords in Loughborough with end-of-tenancy or move-in tidy-ups, as well as schools and businesses across Charnwood who need their outdoor areas kept safe and presentable. A quick refresh now saves bigger problems down the line and helps you maintain a professional image.

MOF's Practical tips:

Schedule regular maintenance: Stops issues building up.
Prioritise safety: Clear moss and fallen leaves from walkways.
Think low-maintenance: Simple hedge trims and clean patios reduce future upkeep.

How MOF Gardens Can Help.

Rain or shine, we’re out across Charnwood keeping gardens and grounds tidy. From moss-free patios to hedge trimming, lawn care, and full autumn prep, our team helps homes, landlords and businesses stay ahead of the weather.

Ready for a September tidy-up? Book now before autumn fully sets in!