As autumn arrives, it’s time to give your lawn some seasonal TLC!
October is the golden time for lawn care. With cooler temperatures and fewer pests, it’s the perfect window to repair summer damage and build up nutrients. Follow this guide to transform your lawn from tired and patchy to thick and vibrant!
4 Essential Fall Lawn Care Tasks
1. The Final Mow of the Season
- · Ideal Height: Keep cool-season grasses (like Ryegrass) at 3-4 cm. Keep warm-season grasses (like Bermudagrass) at 2-3 cm.
- · Pro Tip: Mow on a sunny morning when the grass is dry. Change your mowing direction each time to prevent grass from matting down.
- · Important: Avoid cutting the grass too short, as this can lead to sun damage, winter injury, and weed invasion.
2. Feed Your Lawn for Strong Roots
- · Best Fertilizer: Use a “Slow-Release Fall Lawn Food” that is rich in phosphorus and potassium to encourage deep roots and cold weather hardiness.
- · Application: Spread 30-50 grams per square meter evenly, and water it in well.
- · Key Insight: Your autumn feeding accounts for 60% of the year’s total nutrition, setting the stage for a green explosion next spring!
3. Repair Bare Spots by Overseeding
· Choose the Right Seed: For cool-season lawns, use Tall Fescue or Ryegrass. For warm-season lawns, use Bermudagrass.
Simple Steps for Overseeding:
- · Loosen the soil and remove stones/debris.
- · Spread the seed and gently rake to cover it.
- · Cover with a breathable fabric to keep the area moist.
- · Water lightly 1-2 times daily. Seeds should sprout in about 7 days!
- · Handy Trick: Mix seeds with fine sand for more even spreading.
4. Clear Leaves & Weeds
- · Leaves: Remove them daily. A layer of leaves can smother your grass and attract pests.
- · Weeds: Pull by hand or use a “Broadleaf Weed Killer” (be careful to avoid newly seeded areas).
- · Easy Solution: Use a lawn blower to clear leaves in just 5 minutes!
Fall-to-Winter Transition Tips
- · Watering: Gradually reduce how often you water. The soil should be lightly moist (if the top 2 cm of soil is dry, it’s time to water).
- · Winter Protection: In colder northern climates, cover your lawn with fabric or a layer of straw for insulation.
- · Tool Maintenance: Clean and oil your mower blades to prevent rust. Drain all water from hoses before storing them for winter.
Lawn care isn’t a chore—it’s a way to nurture your little piece of nature. This fall, help your lawn build a strong foundation for the year ahead