As autumn rolls in, it's time to prep your lawn for the upcoming seasons. Autumn isn't just about leaf blower cleanup; it's the season when you get your lawn ready for a great spring. In this simple guide, we'll go over six essential steps for taking care of your lawn during the fall. Let's dive into these important actions to keep your lawn healthy and beautiful.
Start by picking up the fallen leaves. Use a leaf blower with a bag to make this job easier.
Thatch can harm your lawn, making it hard for grass to grow and get enough sunlight. You can fix this by using a thatch rake or a scarifier. This not only helps your lawn breathe but also encourages new grass growth, making your lawn thicker and healthier.
Use a natural fertilizer that suits your region's needs. In the fall, choose a fertilizer with lower nitrogen than what you used in spring or summer. Some brands offer fertilizers made just for the autumn season. If you have moss, a product with iron sulfate can help get rid of it and balance your lawn's pH.
Aerate your lawn by poking holes in it, either manually or with a lawn aerator. This helps the roots get more oxygen. You can also use a scarifier for better aeration. This process enhances grass resilience, removes moss and weeds, and promotes a denser lawn. You can add grass seeds to bare spots but do this at least a month before the first frost, as grass growth slows down when it gets chilly.
Before winter arrives, make sure your mower blades are sharp. The last cut of the year is important, and sharp blades keep your grass healthy during the winter.
For the last mow of the season, raise the cutting height a bit of your lawn mower. Taller grass can store more energy during the winter, which leads to a healthier lawn in the spring. If you have an irrigation system, turn it off when the grass stops growing.
