As fall approaches, winter is likely to leave your lawn dormant, so you can be generous with your lawn care. We tend to forget that spring is the best way to keep your lawn green and healthy. Fall needs some work.
As temperatures drop, fall becomes the best season to fertilize, control weeds, and improve the overall health of your lawn. We’re here to help give your yard extra vibrancy.
Mow the grass to the right height
Grass growth may slow down in the fall, but that doesn’t mean you can’t rely on your lawn mower anymore. Ideal cuttings grow to 2.5 to 3 inches by the first frost. If left too long, it can become a breeding ground for fungi, and if left too short, the root system can be damaged. It’s the perfect height to keep your lawn safe from the cold and dryness of winter.
Continuous watering
The weather may be getting colder, but that’s not a sign to stop watering. More rain and dew will keep the tops moist but tend to damage the roots in the meantime. In the summer, your lawn doesn’t need much water, but at least half an inch a week is enough to keep it from drying out.
Aerate the soil
Aeration is a very important part of fall management. It is usually done every two years and you should decide if your lawn needs it. Excessive summer heat can cause a decomposition product known as straw to build up between the grass and the soil surface. This prevents water, light and air from entering the soil. This is where we aerate the soil.
This can be done with the help of a core aerator that drills a hole in the thatch and pulls up the soil plug. By aerating your lawn, we relieve soil compaction so more water, oxygen, nutrients and light can easily reach the soil, setting the right foundation for healthy spring growth.
Moisture
Fall is a great season to feed your lawn. While growth at the top has slowed, the grassroots have had plenty of time to thrive during this period. During the winter, it’s always a good idea to fertilize the soil after aeration, as the plants absorb the right nutrients before freezing.
Proper ratios of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the feed not only help root growth, but also help resist disease and cold. All the essential nutrients you see in spring, when your lawn is covered with lush green grass, are being delivered to your roots.
Sowing
Intense heat and sun can make your lawn visible after summer. It’s time to step up your game at Overseed. Use a power planter to damage your seeds to the soil less.
Seed immediately after aeration and fertilization, filling any holes left in the process. This hole is the entry point for new grass to sprout and fill the voids in your lawn. Remember to keep the hole moist until germination.
For low places, the ground must be leveled by scraping off the soil, adding turf soil and spreading the seeds evenly. Mid-August to late September is a good time to seed your lawn. New grass that grows in the fall tends to grow stronger in the spring, so keep this in mind when planting.
Keep clean
We all love the way foliage covers the lawn with beautiful colors, but it’s not so pretty on lawns. From blocking out light to absorbing moisture, lawns suffer from beauty and lack much-needed fall sunlight. This is why annual yard cleaning is necessary. Leaves should be raked or air-dried as much as possible. If left to rot, the fallen leaves can become damp and cause irreparable damage to your lawn.
It’s on your toes
If you are looking forward to a leisurely spring without worrying about lawns, now is the right time. In addition to following every step in the process, extra care is required. Whether it’s planting at the right time or using the right amount of fertilizer, you need to make sure your lawn has everything it needs. Also, complete lawn equipment maintenance prior to winter storage.
Now sit back and enjoy the wonderful view of the spring lawn. You can even give your neighbors some direction next year!
Call us at this number +1 (716)-710-0390.
