Important Fall Lawn Care Tips
Fall Lawn Care Guide
Fall has arrived and it is time to prepare your lawn for seasonal changes and ensure that your turf and plants look better than ever come spring. Now is the perfect time to take some protective measures so that you are ready for changing temperatures and weather conditions. Follow these important fall lawn care tips to prepare your landscape for the colder seasons:
- Keep your grass cut to a height of about 2”. This is especially important in colder climates that experience snowfall. An unexpected snow can mat the grass down, cause damage and allow mold to grow. Maintaining your lawn height will help you control moisture levels.
- Continue to water your lawn. Even as temperatures drop and growth slows down, your landscape will still need water. Just be sure to clear out your irrigation system before freezing weather hits so that ice doesn’t cause damage.
- Rake and mulch leaves. A thick layer of leaves can attract moisture and allow mold to grow. It also forms a barrier that blocks the sun and deprives your lawn of other essential nutrients. While you don’t have to chase down every last leaf, it is a good idea to avoid allowing a blanket to form. One time-saving solution is to use a mulching mower to chop up leaves and provide your lawn with a natural fertilizer.
- Seed and sod your lawn. Cool fall weather provides the perfect conditions to fill in patchy spots on your lawn with seed or sod. Planting now will allow a thick, healthy root system to form so that your lawn looks lush and full in the spring. Talk to a specialist about which cool season grasses are best for your climate.
- Fertilize your lawn. The right level of fertilization will protect your lawn throughout the winter and provide it with the ideal balance of nutrients. When should you apply fall lawn fertilizer? Rule of thumb is 2 to 3 weeks before the first freeze. If you really want to get it right, test your soil first to get an accurate picture of your pH levels so that you can choose the correct treatment. You can have your soil professionally tested or use an affordable home kit to take measurements.
- Practice weed control. Chances are that your lawn has been invaded by dandelions, clover and other weeds. Removing these offenders from your lawn now will help control them once the warm weather returns and weeds begin pollinating and spreading. A little weeding in the fall can save you a lot of work over the summer.
Fall Lawn Maintenance Summary
- Keep your grass length around 2”
- Water regularly
- Remove leaves
- Seed and sod
- Fertilize
- Remove weeds
Following these simple fall lawn care tips will prepare your landscape for cold weather and create a solid foundation for a healthy and flourishing lawn in the spring. Get the most out of your lawn and enjoy a beautiful landscape will a little extra work during the fall months. Check out some of our other Home Care Guides if you are looking for home inspiration and direction.
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