DIY Fall Lawn Rescue!
Fall is a crucial time for preparing your lawn for the upcoming winter months and ensuring it remains vibrant and healthy come spring.
Rutgers Cooperative Extension has a FANTASTIC video covering for Fall lawn maintenance you can watch here.
Proper fall maintenance can help prevent diseases, pests, and winter damage, resulting in a lush and green lawn next year. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
1. Rake and Clean Up Leaves:
Remove fallen leaves: Leaves left on your lawn can smother the grass, leading to disease and fungal growth. Rake them up regularly, especially after heavy windstorms.
Dispose of leaves properly: Avoid composting wet or diseased leaves, as they can harbor pests and diseases. Instead, bag them up and dispose of them.
2. Aerate Your Lawn:
Improve soil health: Aeration helps to relieve soil compaction, allowing water, air, and nutrients to penetrate deeper into the root zone.
Use a core aerator: This tool removes small plugs of soil, creating openings for air and water to reach the roots.
Consider the timing: Aerate your lawn in the fall or early spring when the soil is moist but not soggy.
3. Fertilize for Winter:
Provide essential nutrients: Apply a fall fertilizer specifically formulated for lawns. These fertilizers typically contain a higher proportion of potassium, which helps to strengthen cell walls and improve winter hardiness.
Follow label instructions: Always read and follow the instructions on the fertilizer package to avoid over-fertilization.
4. Mow at the Right Height:
Cut grass to the proper height: In the fall, mow your grass to a height of 2.5 to 3 inches. This will allow the roots to develop more deeply and help the lawn withstand winter stress. When overseeding in the Fall, mow to a height of 1 inch.
Avoid scalping: Don't cut too much off at once, as this can damage the grass.
5. Water Deeply but Less Frequently:
Encourage deep roots: Water your lawn deeply but less frequently in the fall. This will encourage the roots to grow deeper, making the grass more resistant to drought and winter damage.
Check soil moisture: Before watering, stick your finger into the soil about 4 inches deep. If it feels dry, you can water.
6. Control Weeds:
Prevent weed growth: Apply a pre-emergent herbicide in the fall to prevent weeds from germinating in the spring.
Treat existing weeds: If you have existing weeds, consider using a post-emergent herbicide. Be sure to follow the label instructions carefully.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your lawn is healthy and well-prepared for the winter months. A healthy lawn in the fall will reward you with a beautiful, vibrant green space come spring.
