Fall is a beautiful time of year, with cooler temperatures, cozy sweaters, and bright, colorful leaves. But as those leaves start piling up, it’s also a reminder that your lawn needs some attention before winter arrives.
Caring for it in the fall sets the stage for a healthy, lush yard when spring rolls around. It’s a bit like preparing for a big trip, if you pack well now, you’ll save yourself trouble later.
Let’s walk through some practical steps to get your lawn looking its best, even as the seasons change.
Rake Up the Leaves (But Don’t Stress About Perfection)
When leaves begin to fall, it’s tempting to let them blanket the yard and focus on other chores. But leaving too many leaves on your lawn can cause problems. A thick layer blocks sunlight and traps moisture, and that creates a damp environment that can lead to mold and disease. Plus, grass can suffocate under heavy piles of leaves, which will leave it patchy and weak by spring.
Raking doesn’t mean you need to turn your lawn into a spotless carpet. A few scattered leaves can actually be beneficial, adding nutrients to the soil as they decompose. You can also mow over them with a mulching mower, which shreds them into tiny pieces that break down faster. Think of this as turning the leaves into a natural fertilizer and your lawn gets the benefits without the hard work of bagging and hauling.
Keep Mowing, But Adjust the Height
Even though it’s cooler, your grass doesn’t stop growing just because summer’s over. It might slow down, but it still needs regular mowing. If you stop cutting it too early, the grass can grow tall and shaggy, and more likely to mat down under snow. This can lead to problems like fungus and other lawn diseases.
As the season winds down, gradually lower the height of your mower blade for the final cuts. Shorter grass helps sunlight reach the base of the plants and makes it easier to rake leaves or spread fertilizer. But don’t go too short either, cutting the grass too low can stress it out and leave it vulnerable to weeds. Aim for about 2 to 2.5 inches for most types of grass.
Patch Up Bald Spots
If your lawn has some bald spots left behind by summer activities, now is the perfect time to tackle them. Cooler weather and more consistent rain make it easier for grass to grow, whether you’re using seeds or sod.
Start by deciding how you want to fix the bare spots. If you’re using grass seed, loosen the soil in the patch with a rake or garden tool. Spread the seed evenly, then cover it lightly with a thin layer of soil or compost. Water the area regularly to keep the soil damp while the seeds germinate. It can take a few weeks for new grass to grow, but patience pays off.
If you prefer instant results, consider sodding. Sod is pre-grown grass that comes in rolls or squares, ready to be placed directly in your yard. Visit The Grass Store or your local garden center to get some advice and find grass that matches the type already on your lawn.
Prepare the bare spot by loosening the soil and removing any debris, then lay the sod on top. Press it down gently to ensure good contact with the ground and water it thoroughly. Keep the sod moist for the first couple of weeks while the roots establish themselves.
Aerate the Soil
Over time, soil can get compacted, especially in high-traffic areas like the path to your garden or under the swing set. This makes it hard for water, air, and nutrients to reach grass roots. Aerating, or poking small holes in the soil, solves this problem by loosening things up and creating space for roots to grow.
You can rent an aerator from a garden center or hire a professional to do the job. If your yard is small, a handheld aerator or even a sturdy garden fork can work. The goal is to create evenly spaced holes across your lawn. Once you’ve aerated, water and fertilize the lawn to take advantage of the improved soil structure.
Water Your Lawn, Even in Cooler Weather
Fall rains can sometimes trick you into thinking your lawn doesn’t need extra water. But if your area isn’t getting at least an inch of rain each week, it’s a good idea to give your grass a drink. This is especially important if you’ve recently seeded or fertilized, as both need moisture to work properly.
To check if your lawn needs water, stick your finger into the soil. If it’s dry a couple of inches down, it’s time to pull out the sprinkler. Water deeply but less often. This encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil. Keep up the watering until the ground starts to freeze. It’s a bit like hydrating before a workout, your lawn will be in better shape to handle the challenges of winter.
Stop Weeds Before They Start
This time of the year might not seem like weed season, but many weeds start sprouting now and lie dormant until spring. By the time the snow melts, they’ve already gotten a head start on taking over your lawn. Using a pre-emergent weed killer in the fall can help stop them in their tracks.
Pre-emergents create a barrier in the soil that prevents weed seeds from germinating. Apply them when the soil temperature drops below 55°F, usually in late September or early October. Be sure to read the label carefully so you know how to use the product safely.
Wrap Up and Relax
Once you’ve tackled these steps, your lawn is ready for winter. Take some time to clean and store your tools so they’ll be in good shape when you need them again. Rinse off your mower, put away the rake, and check any leftover fertilizer or seeds for proper storage instructions.
Now, relax and enjoy the season. Fall is about more than yard work, it’s also a time for apple cider, pumpkin carving, and cozy evenings by the fire.
By caring for your lawn now, you’ve set the stage for a beautiful spring, so kick back and soak up the crisp autumn air.
