Resource Tags:
About the Resource:
Fall is a key season for preparing your lawn for the winter and setting it up for a strong start in the spring. Proper fall care helps ensure a healthy, resilient turf that can withstand colder temperatures and resume vigorous growth when the weather warms up.
Fall Turf Tips
Mowing
- Adjust Mowing Height
- Raise the Height: Gradually raise your mower’s cutting height as the season progresses. A taller lawn (2.5 to 3 inches for cool-season grasses) helps protect the crown of the grass and promotes root growth.
- Final Mow: For the last mowing of the season, set the mower to a lower setting (2 to 2.5 inches) to help the lawn prepare for winter and prevent snow mold.
- Keep Mowing
- Regular Schedule: Continue mowing as needed until the grass stops growing. This helps maintain a neat appearance and prevents excessive buildup of fallen leaves and debris.
Fertilization
- Apply Fall Fertilizer:
- Balanced Fertilizer: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or one with higher potassium content to strengthen the turf’s root system and improve winter hardiness.
- Timing: Apply fertilizer about 4-6 weeks before the first expected frost to allow time for the nutrients to be absorbed.
- Avoid Over-Fertilizing
- Amount: Follow recommended application rates on the fertilizer package to avoid excessive growth and potential disease problems.
Aeration
- Core Aeration
- Benefits: Aerate your lawn to relieve soil compaction, improve air and water penetration, and enhance root development.
- Timing: Fall is an ideal time for aeration because the soil is still warm, which encourages rapid recovery and growth.
- Top Dressing
- Apply Compost: After aeration, apply a thin layer of compost or topsoil to improve soil structure and provide additional nutrients.
Seeding and Over-seeding
- Seed Bare Spots
- Repair Areas: Reseed any bare or thin spots to ensure a full, healthy lawn in the spring.
- Seed Variety: Use a seed blend appropriate for your grass type and climate.
- Overseed Existing Turf
- Enhance Lawn: Overseed the entire lawn to improve density and help crowd out weeds. This is especially beneficial for cool-season grasses.
Watering
- Adjust Watering Schedule
- Reduce Frequency: As temperatures drop, reduce the frequency of watering. Ensure the lawn receives about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall.
- Water Early: Water in the morning to minimize evaporation and reduce the risk of disease.
- Winterize Irrigation System
- Drain and Protect: Prepare your irrigation system for winter by draining water from pipes and turning off the system. Protect hoses and other components from freezing temperatures.
Lawn Care Practices
- Leaf Management
- Rake Leaves: Regularly remove fallen leaves and debris to prevent them from smothering the grass and causing fungal issues.
- Mulching: Use a mulching mower to chop leaves into small pieces that can decompose and provide nutrients to the soil.
- Weed Control
- Apply Herbicide: If necessary, apply a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent winter annual weeds. This is best done in early fall.
- Hand Weeding: Remove any weeds that are present to reduce competition and ensure a healthier lawn.
Winter Preparation
- Prepare for Snow
- Clear Debris: Clear any debris, branches, or objects from the lawn to prevent damage from snow and ice.
- Avoid Heavy Traffic: Minimize foot and vehicle traffic on the lawn during winter to prevent soil compaction and damage to dormant grass.
- Soil and Lawn Health
- Monitor Soil Moisture: Ensure the soil has adequate moisture before the ground freezes. Dry soil can lead to drought stress in the spring.
General Maintenance
- Tool Care
- Clean and Store: Clean and maintain your lawn care equipment, such as mowers and trimmers, before storing them for the winter.
- Sharp Blades: Sharpen mower blades to ensure a clean cut when mowing resumes in the spring.
- Inspect and Plan
- Evaluate Lawn Health: Assess the overall condition of your lawn and plan any needed changes or improvements for the upcoming season.