As the leaves change color, you know winter will soon arrive. The grass isn’t growing as quickly, but it’s still necessary to perform fall lawn care. With a bit of effort, you can keep your yard looking great all season long. Here are a few tips to get you started.
1. Rake the Leaves During Fall Lawn Care and Maintenance
Leaves decompose, providing nutrients to your soil and grass. However, thick layers of leaves on the lawn inhibit circulation and block sunlight, eventually damaging the grass underneath. Rake the leaves regularly to keep your turf looking green and healthy. If you have a lot of trees, you may want to invest in a leaf blower to make the job easier. Alternatively, use a mulching mower to break the leaves down, so they decompose more quickly.
2. Aerate the Lawn
Aerating is a process that makes holes in the ground or removes small pieces of compacted earth from the lawn. Aeration helps oxygen and nutrients reach the roots of the grass, which is especially important in the fall when the grass is growing more slowly. Aerate your lawn with an aeration tool, or hire a professional lawn maintenance company to do it for you.
3. Fertilize the Grass
Fertilizing your lawn in the fall helps it recover from summer stress and prepare for winter dormancy. Look for a fertilizer with a high nitrogen content and apply it according to the directions on the package. Fall is the perfect season for fertilizing the lawn because the milder weather and frequent rains allow the nutrients to be easily absorbed. Your grass will be nourished and better able to survive harsh winter weather.
4. Fall Lawn Care: Over-Seeding the Grass
Overseeding is a great way to thicken the lawn and fill bare spots. Choose a grass seed appropriate for your climate and spread it evenly over the yard. Water the lawn regularly until the new grass seedlings have had a chance to take root.
5. Continue Mowing
Even though the grass is growing slowly, it’s still helpful to keep it trimmed. Mow the grass to maintain a healthy height. Short grass is unable to photosynthesize all the nutrients necessary for winter. Grass that is too tall blocks sunlight from the soil. You can winterize and store your lawn mower for the season when the grass goes dormant.
Following these tips, you’ll have a beautiful yard all season long. If you don’t have time for lawn maintenance, hire a professional to do the work for you. You’ll appreciate healthy and attractive green grass year-round.
Pro Home Inspection Services offers inspection services to the Grand Strand and the Greater Charleston Area. Contact us to request an appointment.