5 Essential Fall Lawn Care Tips
Fall is one of the most important seasons for lawn care. Cooler weather and increased rainfall create the perfect conditions to strengthen your grass before winter and set it up for a lush, green spring. Here are five simple, effective tips to keep your lawn healthy this fall.
1. Keep Mowing
Don't put the mower away too early. Keep mowing until the grass stops growing. For the final cut, aim for 2--2.5 inches in height. This keeps grass short enough to prevent matting under snow, but tall enough to protect roots during the cold months.
2. Overseed in the Fall
Fall is the best time to overseed your lawn. Cooler temperatures and morning dew provide ideal growing conditions for new grass seed. Overseeding helps fill bare spots and thickens your lawn, making it more resistant to weeds.
3. Keep Watering
Don't stop watering just because it's cooler outside. Grass still needs consistent moisture to recover from summer stress and prepare for winter. Keep watering until the ground begins to freeze.
4. Mulch Your Leaves
Instead of raking and bagging leaves, mulch them with your mower. Shredded leaves break down quickly and return valuable organic matter and nutrients to your soil, acting as a natural fertilizer.
5. Fertilize Before Winter
A fall feeding is like a winter survival kit for your lawn. Fertilizer helps roots store energy now, ensuring your grass greens up faster and stronger when spring arrives.
Taking a little time to care for your lawn in the fall pays off in the long run. With these five steps, you'll give your grass the best chance to survive the winter and thrive in the spring.