Temperatures are dropping,
leaves are beginning to fall and days are becoming shorter, signaling the beginning
of another fall and winter season. Don’t put your yard tools and lawn mower
away just yet! Fall is a critical time
to prepare your landscape for another winter, and there are a few things left
to do to ensure that all your spring and summer efforts aren’t wasted.
A full, fall lawn care
regimen includes fertilizing, raking, aerating, mowing and seeding. Follow
these basic tips to winterize your yard.
Aerating
Lawn aeration helps to combat
grass compaction from summer traffic and encourages the absorption of water,
nutrients and oxygen from the soil.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing in late fall—right
before the first heavy freeze—will help your grass survive harsh winter weather
and encourage lush growth next spring by pumping nutrients into the roots. The
best time to apply fertilizer is just after aerating.
Seeding
Grass seed grows well in cooler,
fall temperatures, so plant new grass seed over thin patches to help improve
your lawn’s density. By
the time warmer spring conditions arrive, the seed will already be in place and
ready to germinate.
Leaf and debris clean up
Throughout fall, rake up
leaves, mulch them and then apply them to your yard. You’ll improve the appearance of your lawn by
keeping it neat, and the leaves will help fertilize and enrich the soil for next
spring.
One last mow
Before you put the mower to
rest, trim your lawn one last time. Reduce your lawn’s cutting height to around
2-1/2 inches, but not any shorter as you will risk killing the grass.
Prep your lawn equipment
Tune
up, clean and lubricate your mower, trimmers and other yard tools at the end of
the season. Always store your lawn equipment in a clean, dry place, such as the
garage or shed. Servicing your equipment properly will ensure they are in good
working condition when spring arrives.
Whether you do it yourself or
hire a professional, it’s important that you utilize the fall season to prepare
your lawn for the cold, winter months. The extra work will be well worth it
come next spring and summer when your landscape is lush, thick and green.
For more home care tips visit HomeChannelTV.com