September 12th

By Mutt Mulligan

Fall Lawn Care Tips for Healthy Grass Next Spring

You might think fall is the time you can finally sit back, relax and forget about yard work. But during the fall your yard is busy storing up nutrients and energy to help it survive through the dormant winter, so now is the best time of the year to give it a little boost.

Spending a little time this fall can result in big paybacks next spring and summer. Here are a few tips:

• If your area is experiencing a dry spell, continue watering your lawn. Deep, short watering cycles are recommended. Visit this site for more information.
• Gradually reduce the length of your cuts when you mow. Keeping the grass taller during the summer helps the roots grow deeper, but leaving it long in the winter can cause disease. As the weather cools you can increasingly cut it shorter and shorter so that by the final cut before winter the grass is about two inches high.
• Rake the leaves as they fall rather than waiting. We know, that isn’t what you wanted to hear! However, letting the leaves pile up on the grass can suffocate it. (Hint: make a game of leaf clean-up to get your kids involved. It will help you tackle the chore faster, will give them an appreciation for your green space, and is a great form of exercise for the whole family.)
• Aerate if the soil seems compact or if you live in an area with lots of clay in the soil. Aerating helps your grass better absorb oxygen, water and other nutrients and improves root growth. This article provides a step-by-step guide for aerating.