Blog > Want Lush Grass Next Spring? Follow These Tips!
Fall Lawn Care Tips for Lush Grass in the Spring!
Adjust Your Mowing Height - If you raised your lawn mower height in summer to reduce heat stress, adjust the mower deck back to its normal height in fall. Cutting the grass slightly shorter in autumn helps prevent it from matting under leaves and snow. However, avoid cutting it too short, as closely clipped grass has fewer roots and can make your lawn more susceptible to weeds.
Give Your Grass Plenty of Water - If a summer drought continues into autumn, make sure to water your lawn deeply a few times before the frost arrives. Adding a couple of thorough soakings to your fall lawn care routine will help your landscape transition smoothly into winter before the soil freezes. While nature may provide some moisture through rain, if you need to water, do so in the morning when winds are lighter. This minimizes evaporation and helps the soil retain most of the moisture.
Apply Fertilizer - Fall is the ideal time to fertilize your lawn in northern regions. Cool-season grasses, such as bluegrass, fescue, and ryegrass, benefit greatly from feeding in early September and again in late fall (October or November). Adding fertilization to your fall lawn care routine will help your grass achieve a vibrant green color sooner and look more lush come spring.
Repair Dead Patches - Early fall is the perfect time to reseed dead or thin patches in cool-season lawns. Using a mulch product that combines seed and fertilizer can efficiently address sparse areas. Prepare the soil by raking it before applying the seed mixture. To promote rapid germination, water the newly seeded patches regularly for a couple of weeks following application.
Check for Thatch - Thatch is a layer of dead organic matter that accumulates near the soil surface. A thick thatch layer can lead to disease, insect issues, and make your grass more susceptible to drought and cold weather damage. Thatch often develops from over-fertilizing or excessive watering. To check for thatch, use a spade to turn over a small section of turf. If the thatch layer is one inch or less, it’s generally not a problem. However, if it exceeds one inch, your lawn will benefit from removal.
Remove Excess Thatch - Dethatching involves cutting through the thatch layer and removing the debris. Power rakes or vertical mowers are effective tools for this task and can be rented from hardware stores or tool libraries. After using one of these machines, use a hand rake to collect and remove the thatch from your lawn, and then compost the debris.
Aerate - Aeration is an important fall lawn care practice that helps reduce thatch, enhance drainage, and loosen soil. Core aerators are the most effective type for this task, as they remove plugs of soil, known as cores, which helps break up thatch and improve soil structure. The cores are left on the surface of the lawn, where they gradually decompose with rain, mowing, and foot traffic.
Attack Weeds - The most effective way to combat weeds without resorting to chemical herbicides is by nurturing a healthy, lush lawn. Focus on mowing at the correct height, aerating as needed, and applying fertilizer to supply essential nutrients. A well-maintained lawn will often shade out smaller weeds.
Apply a Topdressing - Topdressing involves spreading a thin layer of soil or compost over your existing turf. This technique enhances growing conditions by reducing thatch, increasing soil organic matter, smoothing out lawn bumps, and reducing the need for fertilizer. After dethatching and aerating your lawn, apply a ¼- to ½-inch layer of high-quality soil across the entire yard, focusing on areas where the grass is thinning. Rake the topdressing into the soil to ensure it integrates well.
Remove Fallen Leaves - Clear fallen leaves by either raking them up or using a mulching mower to prevent them from matting and suffocating your grass. A mulching mower is effective at shredding small amounts of leaves and returning the organic matter to the soil, similar to topdressing. To stay ahead of leaf buildup, run the mulching mower over your lawn every few days. If there are too many leaves for the mower to handle, rake them up and compost them instead.
Drain Irrigation Lines - Before freezing weather sets in, make sure to completely drain your lawn's irrigation system. Use compressed air or drain valves to empty the system. For optimal results, turn off the water supply and drain each zone individually. Additionally, be sure to drain the main supply line from the house.
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