Summer is coming to an end but there’s still work to be done in the yard before winter. If you want lush, green grass in the springtime, there are steps you can take now. These fall lawn care tips help keep your grass healthy and strong through the cold winter months.
Fall Lawn Care Starts With Raking
Raking leaves is the first thing most people think of when it comes to fall lawn care. It is one of the most important steps you can take to help your yard stay healthy. A heavy covering of leaves will impact the health of your grass. Leaves block the sunlight and trap moisture, which leads to dead patches and fungus in your yard. Leaves also prevent grass from getting valuable nutrients when it needs them most.
Clear the leaves from your yard weekly. A leaf blower will make the job easier, however, using a rake will break up thatch, which can suffocate the yard if it’s left unchecked.
It’s the Perfect Time to Fertilize
For healthy grass in the spring make sure proper fertilization is part of your fall lawn care routine. Fall is a great time to fertilize, as it will help your yard be better prepared for the winter. Fertilizing in the fall provides valuable nitrogen that your grass needs after a scorching summer. It helps the grass grow back vibrant and green when the weather warms up, and it supports root growth.
Fertilize at least a month before the ground freezes to give the fertilizer plenty of time to feed the grass. In most locales, that means fertilizing some time in September.
Fall Lawn Care Involves Continuing to Water
Fall is generally a wetter season, so your watering schedule will be different than it was during summer. You will still need to continue watering until the ground freezes. Your grass needs about an inch of water per week. Track your local rainfall and pick up a moisture gauge if you don’t have one. That handy tool will let you know exactly how much extra watering you need to do.
Always water your grass in the morning. The water doesn’t evaporate as quickly as it would in the middle of the day, and watering at night could lead to the development of fungus in your yard.
Mowing in the Fall
While putting the lawnmower away for the year is a favorite item to tick off your lawn care checklist, you’ll need to continue mowing until the grass stops growing. Cut your grass to around 2.5 inches in height. Long grass may become matted and diseased. Cutting it too short makes the roots vulnerable to the cold.
Jones & Cooper Home Inspections provides inspections to customers in Metro Louisville. Contact us to schedule our services.