Autumn in Lithuania often arrives sooner than we expect. Days are getting shorter, grass is growing more slowly, and more leaves, moisture, and mud are appearing on the lawn. Therefore, the end of August is a good time to start preparing not only for the winter season but also for the last comfortable operating days of your robotic lawnmower.
By properly preparing the lawn and the robot, you will reduce the risk of malfunctions, protect the lawn from winter kill, and return to automatic maintenance faster in the spring. Here are five essential steps.
1. Gradually adjust the cutting height
Before winter, the lawn should not be left too short or too tall. It is generally recommended that the final mowing leaves the grass at a height of approximately 4–5 cm.
Grass that is too short can be more sensitive to frost. Grass that is too tall and matted, especially when combined with leaves and moisture, can start to rot and create favorable conditions for lawn diseases.
Change the robotic lawnmower's settings gradually:
- in September, reduce the cutting height by one level;
- after a week, assess the condition of the lawn and, if necessary, lower it again;
- before the final mowing, set it to a height of about 4–5 cm;
- manually trim the edges and hard-to-reach corners.
The robot does not need to perform one sudden, intensive mow. Its advantage is frequent and minor trimming of the grass. It is worth keeping this principle in the autumn, but the mowing schedule should be thinned out as frosts approach.
Perform the final mowing when the grass clearly stops growing intensively. In cooler weather, the robot can work less frequently, and it should not be operated when there is frost, very wet lawn, or snow.
2. Perform the final autumn fertilization
Autumn fertilization is not intended to make the lawn grow as quickly as possible. Its goal is to help the plant store reserves and strengthen the root system before winter.
Choose autumn fertilizers that have:
- less nitrogen;
- more potassium;
- phosphorus and other nutrients necessary for the lawn.
Excessive amounts of nitrogen in the autumn can stimulate the growth of new, soft shoots. Such grass becomes more sensitive to frost and disease. Potassium helps the lawn better prepare for temperature changes, and phosphorus is important for the root system.
Usually, the final fertilization can be scheduled from the end of August to mid-October. The exact time depends on weather conditions, the condition of the lawn, and the recommendations for the specific product.
Important:
- Apply fertilizer to a dry or slightly damp lawn.
- Follow the dosage indicated on the package.
- To distribute the granules evenly, spread them in the direction of the mowing and crosswise.
- If it does not rain after fertilization, water the lawn.
- It is better to leave the robot in the station on the same day until the granules become moist and begin to dissolve.
You can continue to use the robot for a few weeks after fertilization while the grass is still growing. However, don't forget to collect remaining granules from paths, terraces, and other surfaces before winter.
3. Regularly remove leaves and other debris
Leaves are one of the most common autumn concerns for a robotic lawnmower owner. The robot can shred and scatter a small amount of thin leaves as mulch. However, a thick, wet layer of leaves is not beneficial for the lawn.
Under the leaves, the lawn receives less light and air. Due to moisture, fungal diseases can develop, and the grass can die off. In addition, wet leaves make the robot's work difficult: wheels can spin, the cutting mechanism clogs faster, and the robot may start getting stuck.
In autumn, we recommend:
- removing leaves from the lawn at least once a week;
- checking the lawn and the robot's area after strong winds;
- collecting not only leaves but also branches, fruits, pinecones, and other hard objects;
- checking for toys, hoses, or garden tools on the lawn before starting the robot;
- using a rake or leaf blower after intensive leaf fall.
If the robot has a camera or other obstacle-detection sensors, it is also worth cleaning them with a soft, dry cloth. Clean sensors help the device more reliably detect obstacles and navigate the plot.
4. Properly prepare the robot and battery for winter
When the lawn stops growing, the robot should be turned off and prepared for long-term storage. Do not leave it outside in the charging station for the whole winter unless the manufacturer clearly indicates that such storage is possible.
Clean the robot
Before storing:
- turn off the robot according to the user manual;
- clean the casing;
- remove grass and dirt from the underside;
- clean the wheels and their gaps;
- check the cutting disk and blades;
- clean the charging contacts;
- inspect for cracks, loose parts, or damaged cables.
Do not use a high-pressure washer. A strong jet of water can damage bearings, electrical connections, and sensors.
If the blades are worn, it is better to replace them before winter. This way, the robot will be ready for work in the spring, and the first mow will be clean and even. You can find accessories and spare parts for robotic lawnmowers at the KiemoRobotai store.
Take care of the battery
Battery storage procedures depend on the specific model. In some devices, it can be removed; in others, it is recommended to store the entire robot according to the manufacturer's instructions.
General recommendations:
- do not leave the battery in a place where the temperature can drop below freezing;
- store the robot and battery in a dry, cool, but frost-free room;
- before storage, set the charge level recommended by the manufacturer;
- do not leave the battery completely discharged;
- do not use a damaged, swollen, or unusually hot battery;
- before starting the robot in the spring, check its charge and contacts.
If you are unsure how to store the battery for a specific model, follow the user manual or contact specialists. Requirements for different models may vary.
5. Sign up for a seasonal service inspection
Autumn is a good time not only to clean the robot but also to perform a more thorough technical inspection. A small problem noticed now can turn into a more expensive repair in the spring.
During a service, it is worth checking:
- the condition of the battery and charging cycles;
- cutting blades and cutting disk;
- operation of wheels and motors;
- charging contacts and station;
- sensors and cameras;
- software performance;
- perimeter wire, connectors, and power cables;
- operation of the wireless system base station, if you use one;
- casing integrity and mechanical damage.
A professional inspection is especially useful if the robot during the season:
- frequently got stuck;
- did not always return to the station;
- discharged faster;
- started mowing unevenly;
- displayed recurring errors;
- struggled to tackle slopes or wet grass.
KiemoRobotai performs repairs, maintenance, and installation work for robotic lawnmowers throughout Lithuania. If necessary, we also take care of spare parts so that the device does not remain unused for the entire season.
A quick autumn checklist
Before turning off your robotic lawnmower for the winter, make sure that:
- the last mowing was performed leaving about 4–5 cm of grass;
- the lawn was fertilized with suitable autumn fertilizers;
- leaves, branches, and other obstacles were removed from the lawn;
- the robot was cleaned and dried;
- blades, wheels, contacts, and sensors were checked;
- the battery was prepared for storage according to the manufacturer's instructions;
- the charging station and other system components were protected from cold and moisture;
- a service inspection was scheduled if the robot was not performing as usual.
These five steps, properly performed, will help the lawn overwinter safely and the robot reliably begin a new season. If you have any doubts about the cutting settings, battery storage, or a malfunction of a specific model, do not experiment.
Contact the KiemoRobotai team:
- Phone: +370 646 67676
- Email: info@kiemorobotai.lt
- Contacts page: kiemorobotai.lt/kontaktai-vejos-robotai
We will help you prepare for autumn, perform a service inspection, and take care of the necessary parts. We work throughout Lithuania, so professional robotic lawnmower maintenance is available regardless of your place of residence.