The weather is growing colder, leaves are beginning to pile in your yard, and many are unaware of how these conditions can impact their lawn. Although this time of year homeowners are considering tucking away their mowers, the Fall is an essential time in lawn care to ensure your turf’s health in the upcoming spring season.

Below we will be outlining some Fall lawn care tips in preparation of the cold winter months ahead.

Leaf Coverage

It’s that time of year. Leaves are falling from the trees covering your entire yard. You may be thinking to forgo raking or mulching those pesky leaves because they seem harmless, but their coverage can have negative effects on your lawn.

Leaf coverage makes it difficult for your lawn to absorb sunlight, nutrients, water, and air – essentially suffocating your lawn. When these elements cannot reach the soil and roots of your lawn, its health is at risk. Diseases can develop and pests are attracted to the coverage they provide. To be proactive in ensuring your grass is healthy and to save money on future lawn care, don’t allow leaves to cover your lawn for long periods of time.

Mulching leaves provides a simple solution. Running your lawn mower over the leaves will shred them into smaller pieces. When leaves are broken into small pieces, they will decompose quicker and mix in with your turf preventing it from suffocation. Whether you decide to mulch by mower or hand, ensure the leaves are dry for easier shredding.

Deep Root Feeding

In order to promote a healthy lawn for spring, deep root feedings are generally implemented in the Fall season. The purpose of the process is to apply essential nutrients deep into the soil. This encourages root development and food storage. By utilizing a time release fertilizer, you can ensure your trees and shrubs are fed properly all season long.

Mowing Tips

With winter weather coming, Brooklawn suggests homeowners lower their mower blades. Mowing shorter in the Fall is beneficial to your lawn in preventing disease, winter damage, and potential thinning. During the winter, grass can continue growing under the snow and ice making your lawn more susceptible to the conditions above. Shorter turf is stiffer, having the ability to resist the damage of snow. Typically, the last mowing of the season is around Thanksgiving. At that time, the ideal height to mow your grass to is 2.5 inches.

Brooklawn Services can help with any of your Fall lawn care needs, contact us and get a quote today.