There are many do’s and don’ts in life. For example, you do always tip your server some amount, even if they provide bad service. And you don’t ever leave a toddler alone with a blank wall and a box of crayons. While many do’s and don’ts are learned the hard way, you can avoid many by listening to the advice of others.
Fall lawn maintenance is no exception.
As you get ready to prepare your lawn for the autumn season, there are both techniques to follow and mistakes to avoid. We’ll go over the most important fall lawn maintenance do’s and don’ts in today’s post.
Do: Aerate Your Lawn
Aeration is a critical step in fall lawn maintenance that many people ignore. It involves resting small holes in the soil to allow air, water and nutrients to penetrate grass roots. This process helps alleviate soil compaction and promotes healthier root growth.
How to aerate properly:
- Use an aerator, which can be purchased from Classic Turf Equipment.
- Focus on areas with heavy foot traffic or visible signs of compaction.
- Aerate when the soil is moist but not waterlogged (e.g., after a light rain or watering).
Don’t: Ignore Lawn Thatch
What is thatch? Thatch is a layer of dead grass, roots and debris that accumulates between the soil and green grass. While a thin layer of thatch is a good thing, too much can prevent water and nutrients from reaching the soil.
How to manage lawn thatch:
- Check for thatch buildup by removing a small section of grass. If the thatch layer is more than a half-inch thick, it’s time to dethatch.
- Use a dethatching rake or a power dethatcher—available at Classic Turf Equipment—to remove the excess layer.
- Follow dethatching with aeration to further promote healthy grass growth.
Do: Fertilize Your Lawn
Fertilizing in the fall provides your lawn with the essential nutrients it needs to prepare for the harsh winter months. Put simply, if you want a quick green-up in spring, it starts with fall fertilization.
Tips for fertilizing:
- Choose a fertilizer that is high quality and suitable for your grass type.
- Apply the fertilizer evenly, following recommended application rates.
- Water the lawn thoroughly after fertilizing to help the nutrients penetrate the soil.
Don’t: Skip Overseeding
Overseeding is when you spread grass over your existing lawn to fill in bare spots and improve the lawn’s overall density. This helps create a thick, lush lawn that better resists weeds/disease.
How to overseed:
- Mow the lawn shorter than usual beforehand.
- Use a broadcast spreader (available at Classic Turf Equipment) to distribute it evenly.
- Lightly rake the soil to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
- Water the newly seeded areas regularly to keep the soil moist until new grass grows.
Do: Adjust Your Mowing Height
As temperatures drop, your grass growth will slow down. Adjusting your mowing height, however, will help your lawn remain healthy and well-maintained throughout the fall.
Mowing height tips:
- Gradually lower the mower height as fall progresses, but don’t cut too short. A final mowing height of 2-2.5 inches is generally recommended.
- Ensure your lawn mower blades are sharp to provide a clean cut and reduce stress on the grass.
Don’t: Let Leaves Pile Up
Colorful autumn leaves are pretty and all, but they can suffocate grass if left to accumulate. A thick layer, in fact, will block out sunlight completely and trap moisture, leading to disease and dead spots.
Leaf management strategies:
- Regularly rake or use a leaf blower to remove leaves.
- Mulch the leaves with a mower, creating a natural fertilizer.
- Consider composting the collected leaves to create a nutrient-rich soil.
Don’t: Neglect Lawn Equipment Maintenance
Having the right equipment is one thing, but you need to ensure it’s working properly for efficient and effective lawn care. Well-maintained equipment can get you better results, plus prolong the life of your tools. (Classic Turf Equipment provides maintenance and repair services for all types of lawn equipment. We also have replacement parts available.)
Maintenance tips:
- Clean and sharpen mower blades regularly.
- Check and replace air filters, spark plugs and oil.
- Store equipment in dry, sheltered locations—away from the elements.
Do: Prepare for Winter Early
Finally, fall is a good time to winterize your lawn, preparing it for colder temperatures and harsh conditions. This also sets the stage for spring growth, as mentioned earlier.
Winter preparation steps:
- Apply a winterizing fertilizer to strengthen the grass roots.
- Rake up any remaining leaves and debris to prevent mold and disease.
- Store lawn equipment properly and perform any necessary winter maintenance.
These are just a few do’s and don’ts when it comes to lawn care for the fall. If you need any other advice or are interested in lawn equipment purchase or repair, stop by a Classic Turf Equipment location in Dallas-Fort Worth today.
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