The end of summer has brought cooler temperatures, more rainfall, and decreased activity. This climate is not only more welcome for lawn owners who hate breaking a sweat, but it’s better for the grass. The cooler and moist weather allows grassroots to thrive more than they did in the summer.
As such, it may seem like an odd time to concern yourself with lawn care. Especially with winter around the corner, when your grass will shut down and turn brown to conserve water and nutrients. On the contrary, fall is the ideal time to set your lawn up to be in fantastic shape next year:
#1 Don’t Stop Mowing
Many homeowners stop mowing their lawn in the fall. This is a bad idea. Your grass will continue to grow until it freezes in the winter, so keep it healthy by mowing until then. As always, try to keep your grass to a height of three inches. Any longer than that and your grass can attract snow mold. Zero turn mowers with snowblower attachment can help you in such situations.
On the other hand, if you cut the grass too short, you’ll hinder the root system.
#2 Winterize your Mower
Be prepared to winterize your lawnmower. A professional can sharpen the blades, change the oil, and clean the spark plugs and air filter.
#3 Check the Sprinkler System
This is also a good time to maintain the sprinkler system before the harshness of winter. Contact your trusted commercial sprinkler repair services to make sure your investment is in working order. Any weaknesses in your system may be extra vulnerable in the colder weather.
By the end of October, disconnect the hoses and flush the system. Frozen pipes can be disastrous for your sprinkler system. But don’t forget to water your lawn until then. The cooler weather and extra moisture may not be enough to keep your lawn hydrated without your help.
#4 Don’t Stop Raking
Some homeowners incorrectly assume that the falling leaves are good for the health of the lawn. This couldn’t be further from the truth. When leaves fall on your lawn, they block them from accessing sunlight. This can slow their growth. Moreover, leaves can attract lawn fungi. Use a leaf blower in combination with raking to keep your lawn healthy.
#5 Get Rid of the Bugs
Pests on your lawn won’t go away when winter begins. Instead, they’ll bide their time and damage your grass when it begins to grow again after winter. Use pesticide in the fall to get rid of them.
#6 Aerate the Soil
It’s important to loosen the soil, especially after a warm winter. Aerating stops the soil from being covered by an organic layer of roots, stems, and debris. Also called thatch – this layer can block your soil from vital nutrients, water, and oxygen.
#7 Use Fertilizer
A dose of good fall fertilizer can help your lawn this season, while it’s still able to absorb nutrients. The right fertilizer can protect your grass from disease and cooler temperatures. It will also improve root growth.
By following these seven important tips, you help your lawn have a healthy fall and prepare for the winter. When spring rolls around, your lawn will look better than ever because of the effort you put in now.
