As the vibrant colors of summer start to fade, it's time to prepare your lawn for the upcoming fall season. Proper fall lawn care is essential for a lush, healthy, and weed-free yard come springtime. In this blog, we'll provide you with a comprehensive guide to fall lawn care, covering everything from mowing to fertilizing. By following these tips you'll set the stage for a beautiful and vibrant yard that will be the envy of your neighborhood come spring.
1. Rake and Aerate
Remove fallen leaves and debris from your lawn promptly. A thick layer of leaves can smother your grass and create an ideal environment for diseases and pests. Additionally, consider aerating your lawn to improve air and water penetration to the roots.
Click here to learn more about core aeration.
2. Test Your Soil & Make pH Adjustments
Soil testing provides valuable insights into your soil's pH levels and nutrient content. It helps you tailor your lawn care plan to the specific needs of your soil, ensuring that you apply the right amendments. Fall is the perfect time to make pH adjustments.
Click here to learn more about soil testing.
3. Fertilize
Using the information from your soil test, choose a fertilizer that addresses any nutrient deficiencies in your soil. Apply a high-quality fertilizer designed for fall application. This provides essential nutrients to your grass and strengthens its roots, promoting winter hardiness and a quicker green-up in the spring. Some of our fall fertilizer favorites are Fall Lawn Food 24-0-14, Deep Green 24-0-11, and Lawnbox Fall Fix 5-5-5. The majority of our products contain slow-release nitrogen that provide continuous feeding for 6-8 weeks, but if you choose to use a product like PGF Balanced 10-10-10 that is all quick-release, you may want to consider a second fertilizer application 4-5 weeks later, before the first frost.
Click here to learn more about fall fertilization.
4. Overseed
Fall is the ideal time to overseed if your lawn has bare patches or thin areas. Choose the right grass seed for your region and spread it evenly over the prepared soil. Keep the newly seeded areas well-watered until they establish. We recommend applying a soil amendment, such as Humic DG, BioChar DG or HumiChar, in conjunction to seeding.
Click here to learn more about fall overseeding.
5. Treat & Prevent Weeds
Fall is an ideal time for weed control. Apply a post-emergent herbicide, such as Surge Weed & Feed or Weed & Feed 24-0-16, to target persistent weeds, and consider a pre-emergent weed control application, such as Barricade or Dimension Plus Lawn Food, to prevent winter weeds from taking hold. A weed-free lawn in the fall leads to a healthier lawn in the spring.
Be sure to read all product labels as some herbicides will inhibit new grass growth. Consider choosing weed control or overseeding in the fall.
Click here to learn more about fall weed control.
6. Monitor for Grubs
Inspect your lawn for signs of grubs. Address any problems promptly with DuoCide to prevent them from worsening over the winter.
Click here to learn more about DuoCide.
7. Monitor for Disease
Fall provides your lawn with the ideal environmental for some disease and fungal issues. Keep a look out for things like Powdery Mildew and treat with Prophesy before the first frost.
8. Keep Mowing
Keep mowing until your grass stops growing and consider cutting it shorter. Gradually cutting your lawn gradually shorter can help with disease prevention.
9. Keep Irrigating
As the weather cools, adjust your irrigation schedule to water your lawn less frequently but more deeply. This encourages deep root growth and helps your grass withstand winter stress. Just because it gets cooler doesn't mean you lawn doesn't need water!
10. Winterize Lawn Equipment
Before you store your lawn equipment for the winter, clean and sharpen blades, change the oil, and perform any necessary maintenance. Properly storing your equipment ensures it will be ready to use when spring arrives.
Investing time and effort into fall lawn care can make a significant difference in the health and appearance of your lawn. Remember that a well-maintained lawn not only enhances your curb appeal but also provides a relaxing and enjoyable outdoor space for you and your family. Happy lawn caring!
