The yardwork never seems to stop! There’s always mowing, pruning, watering or other forms of lawn treatment that need to be done. And that holds true all year long, especially in the autumn. Continue reading to learn the top ways to get your yard ready for fall.
What are the best ways to prepare your lawn for fall?
On top of raking up all of those leaves and picking up fallen branches, be sure to follow these tips to ensure your lawn comes back happy and healthy next spring:
- Feed your lawn: Fall fertilizing is an important step in keeping your lawn healthy through the winter. This time of year, we recommend using a high-nitrogen fertilizer to establish the root system. Start this treatment 45 days before the first frost.
- Overseed thin lawns: The best way to ensure your lawn comes in thick and green next spring is to overseed it now. Overseed at least 45 days prior to the first anticipated frost so that grass is established before the colder temperatures hit.
- Remove excess thatch: Thatch is the layer of organic matter that forms between the soil and grass blades. It’s fine for a while. But when it gets over a half-inch thick, it can start to harm the grass. Use a rake or specialized detaching tool to remove that thatch.
- Aerate compacted soil: Compacted soil restricts root development and limits oxygen in the soil. Aerators address this problem by creating holes in the soil, allowing air and water to reach the roots. Aerate your lawn soon for best results.
- Continue watering: Your grass still needs to be watered for the next few weeks. Lawns need about an inch of water every week. Check the forecast and be ready to run your sprinkler system if there’s no rain on the way.
- Keep mowing: Many homeowners think the end of summer means the end of mowing season. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Mowing the grass slightly shorter than normal is one of the best ways to get your yard ready for fall. Doing so will help fend off winter fungal infections.
- Control weeds: Weeds are hearty pests—some can even survive throughout the winter months. Apply a weed-killing treatment now to ensure you don’t have to deal with any weeds next spring. Avoid applying it on newly seeded areas, though, to prevent damaging the grass.
- Winterize the sprinkler: Last but certainly not least, you’ll need to winterize the sprinkler by removing any residual water in the system. Doing so will prevent damage from frozen components during the winter months. This is a task typically reserved for a professional.
Call our team today
The temperatures are starting to get colder and colder. Don’t get caught off guard—ensure your sprinkler system is ready by hiring Star Sprinkler Systems Inc. to winterize it. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or to learn more about the best ways to prepare your lawn for fall.