September is a crucial month for lawn care and maintenance. With the arrival of fall, your lawn needs a little extra attention to get it ready for winter’s cold weather. Here are seven tips to help you keep your lawn looking its best all season long:
1) Rake up Fallen Leaves
Make sure to rake up any fallen leaves on your property on a regular basis, as they can build up and suffocate your grass. If you let them linger, the leaves will also speed up the process of decay, making it harder for new growth to take place in the spring.
2) Dethatch
Dethatching is an important part of the fall lawn care process. Dethatching involves the mechanical removal of thatch, which consists mainly of grass, leaves, stems, grass roots, and lateral weed growth. This process is commonly carried out using a gasoline-powered or electric dethatching machine, although it can also be done manually with a dethatching rake.
3) Kill Weed Patches
Weeds can quickly take over your lawn if you don’t keep them at bay. To give your grass the best chance for success, use a weed control product to kill off any patches of weeds that have taken root in the soil.
4) Over-seed Thin Spots
Do you have thin spots in your lawn? To help them fill out, over-seed these areas with grass seed. This will not only help the weak spots look more lush and healthy, but it will also make your lawn less prone to disease.
5) Aerate if Needed
In early Fall (around September 22nd), it is recommended to aerate the areas that require it before seeding or overseeding. It is important to ensure that the soil remains adequately moist during this process.
6) Fertilize if Seeding
If seeding or overseeding, use a starter fertilizer to stimulate germination. Otherwise, apply fertilizer at a rate of 1lbs N / 1000 sq feet OR 3.8 lbs / 1000 sqft – based on 26N) in mid-month.
7) Prune As Needed
Evergreens and Hollies should be pruned before the start of winter. Pruning now will direct new growth in the spring and ensure a healthy plant for the following season.
Need Help With Your Fall Lawn Care?
Fall lawn care is an important part of keeping your yard looking its best year-round. From raking leaves and dethatching, to aerating and fertilizing, there are many steps that need to be taken in order for you to achieve a beautiful lawn this season. With the help of GLS Landscaping and Maintenance, you can rest assured that your lawn will be well taken care of this fall. Contact us today to learn more about our services and get started on the right track for a gorgeous lawn!
