As we head into September the gardens already look as though autumn has arrived.

Dry leaves are gathering on lawns, paths and driveways, while grass remains scorched and brown despite the recent rain.

This unusually early leaf fall is known as a “false autumn.” After prolonged heat and drought, some trees shed their leaves early to conserve water and energy. It is a survival response to stressful conditions rather than a sign that the seasons have suddenly changed. The Met Office explains how drought and high temperatures can cause this premature leaf fall.

For anyone selling a home, this means the usual autumn garden tidy-up may need to happen several weeks earlier than expected.

Buyers understand why lawns are brown

Try not to worry too much if your lawn is looking dry, yellow or scorched. After such a hot and dry summer, buyers will have seen the same thing in their own gardens and throughout the local area. Most people understand that brown grass is caused by the weather and that it is likely to recover once cooler, wetter conditions return.

There is no need to spend large amounts of money attempting to create a perfectly green lawn before every viewing. Instead, concentrate on making the garden look cared for, tidy and easy to maintain.

Mow the lawn if it needs it, but avoid cutting dry grass too short. Neaten the edges, remove weeds and rake away fallen leaves. A brown but tidy lawn will make a much better impression than one covered in leaves, overgrown edges and abandoned garden toys.

Start the autumn tidy-up now

Gardens can quickly begin to look messy when leaves are falling every day. Clear paths, patios, steps and entrances before photographs and viewings. This will also help prevent wet leaves from becoming slippery after rain.

Remove dead plants from pots, cut back anything that has become untidy and put away empty containers, hoses and unused tools. Clean the garden furniture and arrange it so buyers can easily picture themselves sitting outside.

Pay particular attention to the front garden. Buyers begin forming an opinion before they enter the house, so sweep the path, tidy around the bins and make sure the entrance feels welcoming. A couple of healthy plants near the front door can add colour without requiring a complete garden makeover.

Show buyers how the garden usually looks

If your garden is normally green, colourful and full of flowers, consider leaving out a few good photographs taken earlier in the year. This can be especially helpful when the summer weather has left the garden looking very different from its usual appearance.

Choose recent, honest photographs showing the lawn when it was green, borders in bloom or trees in full leaf. You could display them in a small album during viewings or ask your estate agent to include one or two seasonal images within the property marketing.

These photographs should complement the current listing rather than replace accurate, up-to-date images. They simply help buyers see the garden’s full potential throughout the year.

Help buyers see the space, not the weather

You cannot control the heat, drought or early leaf fall, but you can control how well your outside space is presented.

A tidy garden still suggests that the property has been well cared for. Make the seating area inviting, open parasols if the weather allows and ensure buyers can move around easily. If you have attractive features such as a sunny patio, mature borders, a garden office or space for children to play, make sure these remain visible.

This year, preparing your garden for sale may simply mean doing your usual autumn tidy-up a little earlier. Buyers will understand the effects of the weather, but a little extra effort can ensure they notice the garden’s potential rather than the fallen leaves.

If you are preparing to sell, the team at abbotFox can advise you on presenting your home and garden to create the strongest possible first impression.