Fall season lawn care

Preparing your lawn for winter is essential for its health and robust spring growth. Effective fall maintenance focuses on key practices: fertilization for stronger roots, aeration to relieve soil compaction, overseeding to fill in thin areas, reducing mowing height, and diligent leaf removal to prevent disease. Adjusting irrigation and proactive pest and weed control are also crucial before cold weather arrives. Here are our essential Fall Lawn Practices:

1. Fertilization for Winter Resilience

• Objective: Fall feeding is critical, supplying nutrients for winter survival and vigorous spring growth.

• Application: Use a potassium-rich fertilizer to boost root development. Apply after aeration to maximize nutrient absorption into the soil.

• Timing:

• Cool-Season Grasses: Apply in late fall (October/November) to stimulate root growth.

• Warm-Season Grasses: Fertilize in early fall before temperatures drop significantly.

2. Soil Health: Aeration and Dethatching

• Aeration: Create small holes (perforations) in the soil to help water, air, and nutrients reach the grass roots more effectively.

• Dethatching: Remove the layer of dead organic matter (thatch) that can block water and nutrient penetration at the soil surface.

• Optimal Timing: Perform both tasks in the fall, allowing the lawn time to recover before winter sets in.

3. Seeding and Overseeding

• Bare Spot Repair: Fall is the ideal time to seed or overseed thinning areas, promoting a denser, healthier lawn for the following spring.

• Watering: Consistently water newly seeded areas to ensure proper germination and establishment.

4. Mowing and Leaf Management

• Mowing Height: Gradually lower the mowing height as the season progresses.

• Final Cut: Perform the last fall mow at a shorter height (1-2 inches). This helps prevent matting from fallen leaves and reduces the risk of snow mold over winter.

• Leaf Removal: Rake leaves or use a mulching mower to finely chop them. Mulched leaves decompose quickly, adding beneficial compost to the soil.

5. Weed and Pest Control

• Pre-Emergent Weeds: Apply preventative weed control before soil temperatures cool down to prevent winter weed infestations.

• Spot Treatment: Use selective herbicides to treat any visible weeds directly.

• Fungicide: Consider a preventative fungicide application in the fall if lawn diseases have been a recurrent problem.

6. Watering Adjustments

• Deep Watering: Adopt a schedule of deep, less frequent watering to encourage roots to grow deeper, strengthening the grass.

• Moisture Goal: Monitor soil moisture to prevent complete dryness without overwatering, aiming for 6-8 inches of water penetration.

-----Let Wester Lawn Care Service handle your fall cleanup. Enjoy the beauty of autumn without the yard work hassle. Contact us today to schedule your service.