Time for Fall Lawn Care!
You might be wondering where summer went or feeling overwhelmed by year-end activities. In the midst of it all, your lawn is silently shouting, “What about me?”
Now is the time to think about lawn care! While many people believe that late winter is the ideal period to focus on lawn restoration or reseeding, fall is actually the most beneficial time to prepare your lawn for a vibrant and healthy green carpet come spring, which will sustain itself through the summer.
To give you back some time to enjoy your pumpkin everything, consider using lawn care services that can handle everything for you, allowing you to savor the season’s delights. Here are some essential tips to keep you on track.
If you’ve noticed leaves beginning to fall, here’s how to take care of your lawn:
Don’t Let Weeds Take Root
Weeds are also preparing for winter and will attempt to establish deep roots. Use a pre-emergent herbicide now to prevent their growth. Most herbicides work best when daytime temperatures are still above 60°F, so don’t delay!
Aerate Your Soil
If your soil is compacted or high in clay, fall is the perfect time to aerate your lawn. Aeration helps grass roots access much-needed oxygen, water, and nutrients by removing small plugs of soil. Even if you’re a DIY enthusiast, hiring a lawn care service for this task is advisable due to the size and weight of aeration equipment.
Adjust Your Watering Schedule
As temperatures drop, grass growth slows, but it still requires about an inch of water weekly. If your area is experiencing rainfall, that might be enough. A proper sprinkler and irrigation system, as noted by Drake Lawn & Pest Control, can help conserve water.
To ascertain your watering efficiency, place empty containers around your yard to measure water levels after a week. If you’re not hitting the inch mark, consider adding irrigation. The tuna can test is a great method for evaluating even water distribution from your sprinklers. Adjust heads accordingly if water levels vary significantly.
Fertilize
Fertilizing your lawn now will provide the essential nutrients it needs to develop strong roots for winter survival and prepare for spring’s arrival. Remember to fertilize again in the spring if you adhere to a biennial feeding schedule.
Revise Your Mowing Schedule
Grass grows more slowly in the fall, reducing your mowing frequency. Nonetheless, when it reaches the recommended height for your grass type (generally between 2 and 4 inches), trim it by one-third. Regular mowing promotes lawn health, neatness, and helps deter weeds and pests. Additionally, mowing can help chop leaves into beneficial mulch.
Overseed
Overseeding—spreading new seed over an existing lawn—is an excellent way to ensure a lush and healthy lawn in spring. Even if only certain areas are bare or thin, overseeding can be beneficial for any lawn. Although it may seem intuitive to overseed in early spring, fall is actually ideal due to the warmer soil and less intense sunlight.
Dethatch and Rake
A few scattered autumn leaves create a picturesque lawn, but excessive leaves combined with moisture can suffocate grass. Rake to remove thatch—a thick layer of accumulated plant debris—that can restrict water and airflow. Be gentle in your approach to avoid damaging the grass. Also, remember to store any furniture and large toys away for the winter to prevent deterioration.
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