Lawn Care Tips For The Fall

Your lawn is one of the most visible parts of your home, and it deserves some attention. While you may think that fall is a time to let your lawn rest, it's actually a critical time to prepare it for the harsh winter weather. By following these lawn care tips for the fall, you can keep your lawn looking green and healthy throughout the winter months.

1. Keep Mowing Your Lawn

One common misconception is that you should stop mowing your lawn in the fall. However, this can lead to a buildup of leaves and debris on your lawn, which can stunt its growth over time. Instead, you should continue to mow your lawn until it stops growing, which will help keep it healthy throughout the fall season. Additionally, you should adjust the blade height on your mower to a lower setting, so that the grass doesn't get too long before entering winter dormancy.

2. Aerate Your Lawn

Aerating your lawn is an important step in maintaining its health during the fall. This process involves poking small holes in your yard to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the soil, where they can reach the roots of your grass. If you have a large lawn, you may want to consider renting or purchasing an aerator from your local hardware store, or hiring a lawn care professional to do the job for you. Otherwise, you can use a lawn aerator tool or even a pitchfork to manually aerate your lawn.

Aeration tool on lawn.

3. Fertilize Your Lawn

Fertilizing your lawn in the fall can help it recover from the stresses of summer and prepare it for the colder temperatures of winter. When choosing a fertilizer, look for one that's specifically formulated for fall use, as these products contain the right mix of nutrients to promote root growth and winter hardiness. You should also make sure to follow the instructions on the package carefully, as over-fertilization can damage your lawn and harm the environment.

4. Rake Your Leaves

While leaves can provide a natural source of nutrients for your lawn, too many can be harmful. They can prevent sunlight and oxygen from reaching the grass, leading to brown spots and other issues. Therefore, it's important to rake up any fallen leaves and other debris regularly. You can then use them to create compost or dispose of them in your yard waste bin.

Garden rake with leaves.

5. Water Your Lawn

Even though fall weather is cooler and wetter than summer, your lawn still needs to be watered regularly. This helps to flush out any toxins or pollutants that may have built up over time, as well as ensure that the grass stays hydrated throughout the winter. However, you should be careful not to over-water your lawn, as this can lead to root rot and other problems.

6. Protect Your Lawn From Winter Damage

Finally, you should take steps to protect your lawn from the harsh winter weather. This includes removing any objects that could damage the grass, such as outdoor furniture or children's toys. You should also avoid walking on the grass when it's covered in frost or snow, as this can cause it to break or die off. Finally, you may want to consider covering your lawn with burlap or another protective material, especially if you live in an area with heavy snowfall.

A lawn covered with burlap.

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