Fall Lawn Winterizer Fertilizer The first thing to consider is your lawn's root health in regards to nutrients. I always recommend a final application of fertilizer around October or November. The fertilizer you choose should be a mix contain some nitrogen, but more concentrated with potassium and phosphorus. These last two elements strengthen the lawn's root system which does most of its thickening in the cooler fall months. A good analysis will look like this: 20-20-10 or 15-15-15. You may not find those exact analysis, but get something similar.
Fall Lawn Aeration Aerating the lawn is very important also and should be performed on healthy lawns, as well as thin ones. Aeration loosens up compacted lawn soil and allows the nutrients from your winterizer fertilizer to get to the root system. It also helps break down the thatch layer that accumulates during the hot summer.
After your aeration, it is a great time to put down some fresh grass seed. Many people are confused about what type of grass seed to use. If you are unsure, you can take a sampling to your local university extension for proper identification. Otherwise, you should buy good quality bluegrass and perennial rye grass mix for summer areas, and fine fescue for shady areas. These general seeds will mix with most lawn types just fine.
Final Lawn Mowing Everyone wants to know when they are done mowing for the year and what they should do for that last cut. It's simple: your last mowing should be when day time temperatures are consistently in the mid-40s. In addition, you should mow your lawn 1 inch lower than normal on the final cut. This is because snow will pack down on it and if it is too long, the blades will die and leave heavy layers that you will have to rake out in the spring.
Lastly, you should consider buying driveway ice melter and snow melter early this year. I have been in touch with my suppliers, and they are already predicting a shortage. You should never use too much ice melter on your driveway or sidewalk because it can harm the grass. Always follow the labeling. Most safe deicers and snow melters with calcium chloride will be best for you grass, trees and shrubs and concrete surfaces.
Don't forget to perform these lawn winterizing steps before the first snowfall. A little extra attention now will definitely pay off for you in the spring of next year.
Do not fall down the trap of letting fall lawn care slip at this important time of the year. In the fall, you have the best opportunity to improve your lawn. Take some time know to improve your lawn and in the spring, you will have an amazing finish.
Mowing During The Fall
In the fall months, lower the blades on your mower by at least an inch. This gets rid of any weeds and their seeds. It also improves the amount of air in the soil. Use the mulching option if you have it. This way, the leaves from trees are turned into fertilizer for your lawn and its all natural.
Time To Aerate
One thing to consider in the fall lawn care you plan to do is aerate it. Choose areas that see a lot of foot traffic and may be very compact at this point. This will allow roots to get more air and to allow them to grow easier. In this method, you are adding holes to the soil so that water as well as nutrients can get in and help improve the quality of the lawn.
There are several methods to use here. You can use a manual aeration with shoes and large spikes in them. You can use larger manual methods as well. Or, you can rent machines that will do the work for you. Once you have chosen and used a method, then spread compost over the area, fertilizer well and water well.
Fall Seeding
Once you have investing in aerating and thatching as necessary, it is time to consider adding seed to the area. With aeration just done, this is the perfect opportunity to add seed. Fall lawn care is perfect because now, there are fewer weeds growing. Keep new buds in your lawn growing with proper watering method.
Proper Water In Fall
Just as important as anything else during this time is using the right fall lawn care watering methods. In most cases, the fall months are times when you will need less in terms of water, but in most cases, especially with new seedlings, you do need a good amount of watering. Watering allows for roots to grow and for fertilizers to get into the ground deeper.
Invest the time now in maintaining a healthy lawn. strategies are simple but they offer rewards throughout the winter and especially come summer time.
Both Al Haneson & Andrew Caxton are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.