Many are not aware that the lawn care season begins in the fall, not in the spring. Autumn is the best time to take steps to get your lawn ready for spring. It’s better to take preventative measures now than to deal with an unhealthy lawn when spring comes, so here are some techniques you can utilize right now to make sure your lawn is ready for next year.
Mow Smart
Don’t mow your lawn if it doesn’t need it. If you have patches of weeds, just trim that portion above the turf canopy. Also, mow high (2.5 – 3 inches) and as infrequently as possible to keep your lawn healthy. As a rule in all seasons, don’t remove more than ⅓ or ½ of the leaf surface when mowing.
Know When to Water
Water is important to your lawn, so it’s important to know when and how to irrigate to keep your lawn healthy. If you irrigate your lawn, do 2 deep waterings per week (approx. 1 – 1.5 inches of water) instead of watering for shorter periods every day. If it rains ¼ inch or more, you can skip a watering. Even if you’ve chosen to leave your lawn dormant, it still needs ¼ inch of water per week to remain viable.
Build the Soil
Healthy soil is the first step to having a healthy lawn. Spreading a light layer of soil conditioner or fertilizer throughout the lawn will go a long way in making sure the soil is ready to handle the harsh conditions of winter. We have many products appropriate for this purpose, including cotton burr compost, one-step soil conditioner, and microbial stimulator. We also carry products that are kid and pet-friendly, so your little ones and canine friends can still enjoy your lawn while you fertilize it.
Seed or Sod?
If you have areas of your lawn that are no longer viable, there are a few factors to consider when choosing whether to use seed or sod to fix this problem. Seed is recommended if you have small areas to repair and can be completed in a timely manner. Sod is recommended for bigger surface areas that need attention and may take longer to fix. You should also keep in mind the timing of your choice, reseeding takes more time and maintenance and shouldn’t be done too late in the fall for optimal results.
As fall approaches, there are various ways that you can get your lawn ready for next spring. It’s never too early to start thinking about the next season.
