Fall brings the cooler temperatures and occasional rainfall that lawns love. It’s enough to bounce back slightly from summer before a winter dormancy. This makes the season an ideal time for prepping your yard for the rest of the year and into spring. Follow these fall lawn maintenance tips to take advantage of the weather and promote healthy grass growth.

Fall Lawn Maintenance Tips

Proper lawn maintenance makes all the difference in achieving healthy soil and lush, green grass. Fall’s moderate temperatures makes it easy on you and your lawn to do some of the following lawn care tasks.

1. Strategic mowing. You may notice your grass growing more now than in the summer. However, as the temperatures start to cool, it will slow down as it transitions back into dormancy over the winter. Keep your grass at the recommended height for your grass type. Adjust the height of the mower blades to help ensure you don’t cut your grass too short, as this can lead to stress and winter damage.
2. Aerate the soil. There are manual devices and powered tools that remove small plugs of soil to amend soil compaction. This improves air flow, water absorption, and nutrient penetration for grass roots to develop effectively.
3. Fertilize. Give your lawn a nutrient boost just before it goes into dormancy. Apply a time-released product while the grass is still actively growing to support root development and strengthen the grass throughout the winter.
4. Overseed. Spread grass seed throughout your lawn to fill in bare spots and improve the grass density. The best time to apply seed is after aeration. Choose the appropriate grass type for the area, whether it matches the current type or is more suitable for the environment. Keep the area moist until the seeds germinate.
5. Leaf control. A thick blanket of leaves in your yard can end up smothering your grass. However, if you grind the leaves as you mow, you create a beneficial mulch for the lawn and garden.
6. Water. Even though your grass won’t need as much water this season as in the summer, it should still be well hydrated before the ground freezes.
7. Inspect. Lawn pests and disease can still pose a problem in the fall. Watch for dead patches or any discoloration and address the issues as soon as possible.

If you do notice lawn issues or have questions about the best care for your specific grass type, contact a lawn specialist for assistance.

Call Cardinal Lawns this Season

Since fall is a crucial time for lawn care, it’s a great idea to have a professional evaluate your yard now. After an assessment, we can help devise a plan to keep your grass healthy over the winter and bounce back beautifully in the spring. From aeration and seeding to weed and pest control, call 614-808-4446 to schedule a lawn care service today.

---