Fall is in the air and temps are on their way down. As we mentally prepare for the upcoming changes, it’s also a good idea to give your lawn some attention. Changing how and when you mow should be on the list of things to do before winter hits. Did you know that poor lawn maintenance and improper mowing practices in late summer/early fall can lead to an underperforming lawn next spring? Mowing during the fall season is one of the best ways to bring your hardy, green grass back for another great year.
If you don’t have a pre-winter plan for your lawn yet, here are some things to consider:
THE BASICS:
Be sure to use the right fertilizer. Your late summer lawn may require a different fertilizer than you would use in the spring and summer. Make sure to research the best fertilizer to prep your lawn for the season.
Consider aerating the soil. The soil will be more compacted as a result of foot traffic and harsh temps, so aerating will allow oxygen, fertilizer, and water to penetrate the grass roots. Be sure to avoid the spike-shaped aerate tools that only punch holes in the turf.
Keep mowing your lawn with a cut height of three inches. As a rule of thumb, it’s good to never mow more than ⅓ of the grass blade length.
Mulch or rake your leaves frequently. Leaving a random leaf or two behind is no big deal—and actually serves as great natural mulching material. But be sure to remove clumps of leaves that can block sunlight and trap moisture.
Remove dead grass that is too thick for sunlight, water, and oxygen to pass through.
Pull the weeds from the root with your hands. Instead of cutting the head of the weed with the lawn mower, grab the weed from the root to remove the entire plant.
THINGS TO AVOID:
Don’t cut your grass too short. Doing so will expose the roots to sunlight and can actually burn your grass.
Don't stop watering the grass just because it’s cooler outside. Your lawn still needs about an inch a week if rainfall isn’t sufficient in your area.
Don’t use a dull blade. Of course, this is great advice year-round—but after a full summer of yard cuttings, your lawn mower’s blades may become dull. If you mow your lawn with a dull blade, it can shred the grass and leave a sad sight behind.
Don't forget to overseed! Fill in those bare patches and thin spots with fresh grass seed. Don’t wait too long because the seeds need ample time to germinate and take root before the first frost.
Following these tips will help ensure your yard survives the winter in style, AND will come back with a bounce in the spring. This is also a great time of the year to upgrade your mower, especially with fall savings on Spartans! Check out the model that best suits your needs and then contact a dealer near you for a test drive.