You work all summer to create a lush green lawn. But as the leaves start to fall and you begin shutting everything down for the winter, you probably notice something. In those early fall months, your grass can look greener and thicker than it does any other time of the year.
But fall is also a great time to prepare your lawn for next spring. Here are some reasons fall grass looks so great, as well as some tips on what you can do to improve next summer’s grass.
1. FALL BRINGS RAIN
The summer months bring both heat and drought, neither of which are good for grass. But as temperatures start to drop, all those brown patches may start to turn green. Helping matters are those fall bouts of rain, which bring hydration and nitrogen to your lawn. But it’s important to still make sure your lawn stays watered, especially if you go more than a week without rainfall.
2. YOUR LAWN LOVES LEAVES
If you spent your fall raking leaves into piles, you might be interested to know that conventional wisdom has shifted. The leaves of many tree types bring valuable nutrients to lawns. Of course, this can vary by tree type, and some still prefer to rake them just in case. But the National Wildlife Association urges consumers to skip raking, both for the nutritional benefits and to serve as food for birds and insects.
3. YOU CAN SPOT (AND FIX) FLAWS
As you clear the leaves away, you’ll be able to see the bare spots that need a little attention. By filling them in with grass seed, you’ll get your lawn ready for next year. Fall is one of the best times of year to drop seed. The warm soil, mixed with the cool air creates the perfect environment for grassroots to start developing.
4. YOU CAN PULL BACK ON MOWING
As winter draws nearer, you’ll probably no longer need to mow every week. But before you put your mower away for the year, make sure your lawn is at the ideal length to prevent disease. For cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and fescue, grass blades should be around 2.5 inches when the first frost hits. Warm-season grasses like zoysia and Bermuda need to be even shorter, at 1.5 to 2 inches.
The east coast is known for its beautiful fall weather. Take advantage of that to make sure your lawn is in tiptop shape for the coming year. Great American Landscapes beautifies lawns across the Washington, D.C. area. If you’re ready to make sure your lawn thrives in the spring, call us at (301) 972-5681 or click here to schedule a free consultation.
