Getting ready for winter! Lawn care tips!

When fall approaches, many homeowners think lawns need less care because grass grows more slowly. In fact, it is just the opposite. During this time of year grass is busily absorbing energy, moisture, and nutrients in preparation for a long, dormant winter. By giving it attention now, you will be set the stage for a lush, healthy lawn in the spring.

We recommend that you continue to water and mow your lawn as needed. As you get closer to the end of the season, drop the mower’s blade to its lowest setting for your final two cuts of the year. Your blade should not trim more than one-third of the grass blades at any one time. This will open the door for more sunlight to reach the crown of the grass, and there will be less leaf to turn brown during the winter.

Aerating your lawn is another great idea for the fall as it will allow oxygen, water, and fertilizer to reach the grass’s roots easily. Although not always the funniest job, continual raking will not only help keep your property neat and tidy, it will remove the leaves before they become soggy and potentially suffocate your lawn and breed fungal diseases.

Fertilizing in the fall will deliver essential nutrients for the grass to grow deep roots and will keep nutrients on reserve for a healthy start next spring. We recommend doing this mid to late fall, then apply a dry lawn fertilizer being careful to cover the area evenly and thoroughly.

Fall is also the best time to fill in bald spots. Use your garden rake to scratch loose the soil of your bald spots, then spread a thick layer of a all-in-one lawn repair mixture (sold at most garden shops), covering the area. Compact it lightly and then water thoroughly, continuing to water every other day for two weeks.