As the summer heat begins to fade and the crisp, cool air of fall sets in, it’s time to start thinking about preparing your lawn for the upcoming season. While many homeowners focus on spring lawn care, fall is actually one of the most important times to give your lawn some extra attention and care. By taking the right steps now, you can help your lawn recover from the stresses of summer and set it up for success in the spring. Here are some key things to keep in mind as you get your lawn ready for fall:
Keep Mowing, But Adjust Your Technique
While it may be tempting to put away the lawnmower as soon as the weather starts to cool off, it’s important to keep mowing your lawn throughout the fall. However, you’ll want to adjust your mowing technique to better suit the changing season.
As the growth of your grass starts to slow down, raise the blade on your mower to leave your grass a bit longer. This will help protect the grass roots from the colder temperatures and prevent damage from frost. Aim for a grass height of about 2.5 to 3 inches, depending on the type of grass you have.
You should also make sure to keep your mower blade sharp and clean to ensure a clean cut and minimize damage to the grass blades. A dull or dirty blade can tear the grass, leaving it more susceptible to disease and stress.
Aerate Your Lawn
Fall is the perfect time to aerate your lawn, especially if you have heavy clay soil or a lot of foot traffic on your grass. Aeration involves removing small plugs of soil from your lawn, which helps to reduce compaction and allow air, water, and nutrients to reach the grass roots more easily.
You can rent an aerator from your local home improvement store or hire a professional lawn care service to do the job for you. Make sure to aerate when the soil is moist but not too wet, and avoid aerating during periods of drought or extreme heat.
After aerating, you can overseed your lawn to fill in any bare spots and thicken up the grass. Choose a grass seed that is appropriate for your climate and soil type, and make sure to keep the seed moist until it germinates.
Fertilize for Fall
Fall is also a great time to fertilize your lawn to give it a boost of nutrients before the winter months. Look for a fertilizer that is specifically formulated for fall use and contains a balance of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Apply the fertilizer evenly across your lawn, following the instructions on the package for application rates and timing. Make sure to water the fertilizer in thoroughly to help it reach the grass roots.
If you’re not sure what type of fertilizer to use or how much to apply, consider having your soil tested by a local cooperative extension office. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your soil type and grass species.
Tackle Weeds and Pests
Fall is a good time to tackle any lingering weed or pest problems in your lawn. As the weather cools off, many weeds and pests become less active, making them easier to control.
For weeds, consider spot-treating with a targeted herbicide or pulling them by hand. Make sure to remove the entire root system to prevent regrowth. You can also use a pre-emergent herbicide in the fall to prevent weed seeds from germinating in the spring.
If you notice any signs of pest damage, such as brown patches or chewed grass blades, try to identify the culprit and treat accordingly. Common fall lawn pests include grubs, chinch bugs, and armyworms. Consult with a local cooperative extension office or lawn care professional for specific treatment recommendations.
Rake and Remove Leaves
As the leaves start to fall from the trees, it’s important to keep your lawn clear of debris. While a light layer of leaves can actually be beneficial for your lawn, providing nutrients and organic matter as they decompose, a thick layer of leaves can smother the grass and lead to disease and pest problems.
Use a rake or leaf blower to remove leaves from your lawn regularly throughout the fall. If you have a small amount of leaves, you can simply mow over them and leave the shredded pieces on the lawn to decompose. For larger amounts of leaves, consider composting them or using them as mulch in your garden beds.
Prepare Your Lawn Equipment for Winter
As the fall season winds down and winter approaches, it’s important to take some time to prepare your lawn equipment for storage. This includes cleaning and sharpening your mower blade, draining the fuel from your mower and other gas-powered equipment, and storing everything in a dry, protected place.
If you have an irrigation system, make sure to winterize it properly to prevent damage from freezing temperatures. This typically involves draining the pipes and blowing out any remaining water with compressed air.
By taking these steps to prepare your lawn equipment for winter, you’ll ensure that everything is ready to go when spring rolls around again.
Plan Ahead for Spring
Finally, fall is a great time to start planning ahead for your spring lawn care needs. Take some time to assess your lawn and make note of any areas that may need extra attention, such as bare spots, drainage issues, or overgrown trees and shrubs.
Consider making a list of any equipment or supplies you’ll need for spring, such as new grass seed, fertilizer, or mulch. By planning ahead and getting organized now, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running when the warm weather returns.
Renter Center is here to help you prepare you lawn for the upcoming fall weather. Give us a call or stop by today to see our selection of equipment that can aid you in your preparations. We can reserve equipment so even if you’re not ready YET, you can be assured that you’ll be able to tackle that project when its time.
