Four Lawn Care Tips For Fall
When fall comes, many homeowners are happy to have a break from mowing the lawn each and every week. But while the cool weather will cause your grass to grow at a slower rate, it does not mean you can do away with lawn care completely. Taking good care of your lawn in September and October will help ensure your lawn comes back healthy and green the next spring. Where do you start? With these fall lawn care tips, of course!
1. Keep cutting occasionally.
You don't need to cut every week, but you should still give your lawn a quick trim every two or three weeks in the fall. You should only need to cut the tips of the grass to keep it at the ideal 2-inch height. Cutting the grass a little in the fall encourages it to keep developing its root system, which will make for a healthier springtime lawn. Be very careful not to cut the grass too short -- this can be more detrimental in the fall than at any other time of year.
2. Apply fertilizer.
Applying a slow-release fertilizer will ensure the grass has the nutrients it needs in the early spring. Applying the fertilizer in the fall is better than waiting until the spring, since the fertilizer won't penetrate the soil when it's still somewhat frozen in early spring. A 20-0-10 fertilizer, which contains a lot of nitrogen, some potassium, and no phosphorus, is a good choice for fall. Make sure you apply the fertilizer evenly so your lawn grows back evenly.
3. Rake your leaves.
Raking is not just something you do for your trees -- it's an important part of lawn care, too! Don't wait and rake all of the leaves at once. You'll want to rake them periodically during the fall so the lawn can continue to receive sunlight. Use a leaf blower or a fine-textured yard rake so you don't cause damage to the delicate grass blades.
4. Scatter seed.
If you want your lawn to come back thicker and more lush the next year, scatter some seed through the space. This is known as overseeding. Not every seed you spread will develop, but some will germinate the next spring. The exposure to moisture through the fall and winter helps them.
If you follow the lawn care tips above, your lawn will continue to look its very best. For more tips, contact local lawn care services.