Fall is a great time to get your lawn in shape for winter! By preparing your lawn now, you can ensure that it stays healthy and looks good all season long. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips on how to properly care for your lawn in the fall. We’ll cover everything from mowing to fertilizing, so you can make sure your lawn is ready for winter!
Why Should You Even Consider Lawn Care in The Fall?
The lawn is the first thing people see when they look at your home. It’s also one of the most important features of your property, providing you with a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. A well-maintained lawn can improve your home’s curb appeal and increase its value. Additionally, a healthy lawn can help to prevent soil erosion and help filter pollutants from the air. Taking care of your lawn in the fall will ensure it survives the winter in the best possible shape and will help it thrive in the spring.
So, what lawn care tasks should you be sure to do in the fall? Let’s take a look!
Mowing: You should continue to mow your lawn throughout the fall, but you may need to adjust your mowing schedule. As the days get shorter and the weather gets cooler, the grass will grow more slowly. You may need to mow every two weeks or so, rather than every week. Be sure to set your lawn mower to the correct height – taller grass (2.5-3 inches) is better able to withstand cold weather and pests.
Watering: lawns need less water in the fall, but they still need some! watering lawns properly in the fall helps to prevent disease and prepares the grass for winter. Water your lawn early in the day, so the sun can help evaporate any water that remains on the leaves.
How Much Should You Water During The Fall?
lawns need about one inch of water per week. You can use a rain gauge to measure the amount. Make sure not to water when the temperature drops below freezing point and if you do, do not walk on the grass since you are more likely to damage the blades and thus it will take longer to recover after the winter.
Leaves Cleanup:
One of the most important lawn care tasks in the fall is to remove leaves from your lawn. Leaves can smother grass and prevent sunlight from reaching the lawn. They can also lead to thatch build-up, which can damage your lawn. Use a rake or leaf blower to remove leaves from your lawn regularly. You may also want to consider mulching or composting leaves, rather than just throwing them away. You can leave some leaves on the grass but not too much where you cannot see the grass anymore.
Fertilizing: Fertilizing your lawn in the fall can help it to stay healthy all winter long and recover faster the next spring. Look for a fall fertilizer in your local garden center (something like the one below). You should apply the fertilizer before the first frost of the season and make sure to follow the instructions on the package.
Lawn Aeration: lawn aeration is a lawn care task that many people overlook, but it’s actually very important! Aerating your lawn helps to improve drainage, reduce compaction, and encourage root growth. It’s best to aerate your lawn in the fall, before the ground freezes. You can rent an aerator from your local garden center or hire a lawn care professional to do it for you.
Overseeding: Overseeding is a great way to improve the health of your lawn. It involves spreading grass seed over an existing lawn to fill in bare spots or thin areas. Overseeding also helps to improve the lawn’s ability to withstand pests, disease, and drought. You can overseed your lawn in the fall after you’ve aerated it. Be sure to use a lawn seed mix that’s appropriate for your area.
These are just a few lawn care tasks that you should be sure to do in the fall. By taking care of your lawn now, you can ensure that it stays healthy and looks great all season long! Thanks for reading! We hope this blog post was helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. We would be happy to help!