Last Updated: September 20, 2023
As the cool, crisp weather of fall approaches, it’s important to remember that our lawns need attention too. Fall offers a fantastic opportunity to ensure your lawn is ready for the colder months ahead.
Fall Lawn Seeding
One of the best things you can do for your lawn in the fall is seeding. Whether you’re starting a new lawn or re-seeding an existing one, fall is the ideal time. Grass is a cool-weather plant, and it thrives with early fall rains and cooler temperatures. Most turf grasses take 14 to 28 days to germinate, making August or September the perfect seeding window.
For successful grass seed planting, ensure good seed-to-soil contact. Clean up any leaves, excess grass clippings, or debris from your lawn before seeding. Apply a quality starter lawn fertilizer to provide essential nutrients for healthy root development. Keep the newly seeded area moist but not soggy, especially in the absence of rain.
Fall Lawn Aeration
Over the course of a year, the soil in your yard can get compacted. Compacted soil makes it harder for oxygen, nutrients and water to penetrate the soil. With core aeration, plugs or “cores” of soil are removed from the lawn (usually with a lawn aerator), improving the lawn and soil’s overall health.
Feed Your Lawn
If you’ve been following a multi-step lawn program in the spring, don’t neglect the final step in the fall. Applying a fall/winterizer lawn food is crucial for your lawn’s health. The nutrients provided by the winterizer feed the grass roots well into late fall and early winter, promoting a healthier lawn come spring.
Tackle Weeds
Fall is an opportune time to address weeds. During this season, all plants, including weeds, are actively absorbing nutrients to prepare for winter. A weed killer sprayed onto weeds or unwanted plants is absorbed through their leaves and transported to the root system, effectively eliminating them. Always take care to protect desirable plants from drifting spray.
Adjust Mowing Height
As fall progresses, adjust your lawn mower’s cutting height. While we keep our grass a bit longer in late spring and summer to protect the roots and keep them cooler, gradually lower the mower deck until your grass reaches about 2 inches in height. This helps safeguard the grass from folding, mold, and disease during winter’s snow.
By tending to your lawn’s needs this fall, you’re setting the stage for a healthier and more vibrant green space come spring. With a little effort now, your lawn will thrive through the winter and greet the next season with resilience. So, roll up your sleeves, follow these fall lawn care tips, and get ready to enjoy a stunning lawn in the months to come. Happy gardening!
