Fall Lawn Care

Valuable Tips for Proper Fall Lawn Care

Although it is important to provide proper lawn care throughout the year, fall lawn care is the most important. At this time of year, the weather is becoming cooler and in many states, the trees, grass, and flowers will face a difficult season of heavy rains and snow. The goal with fall lawn care is to prepare the lawn and landscaping so it lasts during the winter months and then thrives in the spring.

Of course, fall lawn care is going to be unique for every part of the country so it is important to understand special treatments for where you live. However, following a few general rules would benefit everyone regardless of geographic location. We suggest you first determine the type of grass you have. Remember, some grass looks similar so if you have no idea, you can cut a tiny patch and take it to a local landscaping company or nursery for identification.

The types of turfs that grow and do well during cooler weather include Bluegrass, Fescues, Ryegrasses, and Bengrasses. Then for warmer seasons, the better turf grasses would be Buffalograss, Saint-Augustinegrass, Zoysiagrass, and Bermudagrass. Once you know the type of grass you have, you would then be able to identify any special care tips. The following are things that would be associated with fall lawn care for all of these and other grasses:

To kill broadleaf weeds, herbicide should be sprayed, which could be organic or inorganic

It is important to have the soil tested or purchase an inexpensive soil testing kit from your local hardware store, gardening center, or nursery so you end up with the correct pH level. It is important to determine the type of soil your grass needs to remain strong and healthy. For instance, if the soil needs to be less acidic, applying lime would balance it out but if the soil needed to be more alkaline, sulphur would be applied.

You would also need to rake the lawn, which helps to remove thatch, or dead/dry grass. If the soil is hard or packed firmly, you could use core aeration, which requires a small machine that helps pull the dead or dry grass to the surface while softening the soil.

If you live in a part of the country with many trees, fall lawn care would involve raking or using a blower or vacuum. If the leaves are left on the ground, they will actually smother the grass, killing it completely.

Many people prefer to do their own fall lawn care and some actually enjoy it. However, if you have little extra time but you love a beautiful lawn, you might consider hiring a lawn service. Typically, these companies do everything needed not just for fall lawn care but for every season. This means fertilizing the lawn, applying insecticide, herbicide, or fungicide when needed, mowing at the proper level according to the species of grass you have. Although this is an expense, for many people it is an investment worth making.