Fall Lawn Care Tips: How To Keep Your Lawn Healthy
Virginians often believe that there isn't much more to be done regarding lawn care in the fall because everything slows down or stops growing. What homeowners do not understand is that the effort you put forth now will result in a more attractive lawn and faster green-up in the spring. Preparing your lawn for winter is best done during the fall. To assist you with your fall maintenance, here are some helpful tips.
Fall Lawn Care Tips:
- Tip #1 - Fertilize Your Lawn
- Tip #2 - Aerate & Overseed Your Lawn
- Tip #3 - Rake Fallen Leaves
- Tip #4 - Use Pre-Emergent Herbicide
- Tip #5 - Continue To Water Your Lawn
When To Start Fall Lawn Care
The best time to start working on your lawn for the fall season is mid-August. This will give you enough time to establish new growth and get your lawn ready for colder weather. If you live in an area with a lot of trees, you may want to wait until late August or early September to start your fall lawn care routine.
Fall Lawn Care Tips
Below are a few lawn care tips to prepare your lawn in the fall season:
Tip #1 - Fertilize Your Lawn
Fertilizing your lawn in the fall helps it to recover from the stresses of summer and provides nutrients that promote new growth. Look for a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen and phosphorus, which are essential nutrients for plant growth.
Tip #2 - Aerate & Overseed Your Lawn
Aerating your lawn in the fall helps to improve drainage and prevents compaction. Compacted soil can lead to a host of problems, including thatch buildup, poor root growth, and lawn diseases.
Overseeding your lawn in the fall helps to fill in bare spots and thickens the overall lawn. This is especially important if you live in an area with a lot of foot traffic. Choose a grass seed that is suited for your climate and soil type.
Tip #3 - Rake Fallen Leaves
Fall leaves should be removed from the grass as soon as possible in the fall. The leaves can create a thick blanket over your lawn, preventing sunlight and air from reaching it. This creates ideal conditions for lawn diseases and fungi to thrive. Before the snow falls, be sure to remove the leaves from your lawn.
Tip #4 - Use Pre-Emergent Herbicide
A pre-emergent herbicide application in the fall will help to prevent winter weeds, such as henbit and chickweed, from germinating on your lawn. Be sure to apply the herbicide before the first frost in your area.
Tip #5 - Continue To Water Your Lawn
Grasses that grow in the cool season, such as Kentucky bluegrass, do so in the fall. The grass will be better prepared to green up in the spring when it enters dormancy in good health. It is recommended that your lawn receives at least one inch of water per week. Set the timer on your automatic sprinkler system to water less frequently if you have one.
Get Professional Lawn Care in the Chesapeake Area
When the chores of fall lawn care have you overwhelmed, call the pros at Agronomic Lawn Management. Our lawn care program will ensure your grass gets everything it needs to stay strong and healthy. Give us a call today at 757-542-9503 or contact us on our website.