Believe it or not, Halloween candy has hit the shelves, which means that fall weather is right around the corner. With all the time and hard work you’ve put into your lawn this summer, now is the time to prepare and protect it from the coming winter chill. This fall to-do list will help you keep your lawn healthy this season and give you a major head start next spring.
Just Keep Mowing
As the weather starts to cool, many folks pack up the lawn mower, lock it in the shed and throw away the key until next spring. However, this is a critical time for your grass to gather and store nutrients for the winter and maintaining your lawn through the fall means happy, healthy grass come spring! We recommend that you cut your grass a bit shorter than you may have been doing over the summer (about 2” tall) which not only makes it appear greener for longer, but also helps prevent it from becoming matted under heavy leaves and snow.
Similarly, if there’s one time of year when it’s especially important to fertilize and aerate your lawn, it’s right now! If you hold off fertilizing the yard until spring, you’ll be waiting for a period while the grass is absorbing nutrients. Whereas grass fertilized in fall will hold on to the nutrients through the winter and you’ll be paid back in spades in April when your lawn springs back to life!
Weed Removal
Right now, weeds are stealing water and nutrients from your plants in order to survive the cold winter. Fortunately, their thirst makes them extremely vulnerable to herbicides. Using weed removal chemicals this fall will save you loads of trouble when the snow melts and it’s time to enjoy the yard with family.
Keep the Water Flowing
Just because it’s not 90° anymore doesn’t mean your plants aren’t still thirsty. Failing to get enough water this season could lead to damaged roots and winter burn when the ground freezes and plants have to rely on the water they’ve stored.
Move Potted Plants In
When it comes to more delicate plants, you’ll want to keep a close eye on local weather reports; even one frost can spell doom for many herbs and tropical plants. For the very best results, you’ll want to relocate potted plants to a spot indoors that mimics their outdoor environment as closely as possible. If your plants’ conditions (temperature, light, etc) change drastically, expect to lose some leaves. These should grow back as the plant becomes acclimated to its new environment.
Bulbs, Bulbs, Bulbs!
Looking for an easy autumn win? Planting some bulbs will bring a splash of color to your lawn next spring. About 6 weeks before the ground freezes, when the temperature is hovering around 40-50°F at night, you’ll know it’s time to plant your bulbs. They require very minimal maintenance and are a favorite among beginners and pros alike.
Seasonal Flair
And of course, don’t forget to pick up a few pumpkins or decorative squash to add that pinch of autumn spirit to your lawn!