As the weather cools, many homeowners think their lawn doesn’t need as much care as it does in the summer. But it's not time to put away your lawn mower yet. There is significant work to do to prepare your grass for fall and winter, but it will pay off when you have a lush, green yard when spring arrives.

5 Steps to Prepare Your Lawn for Fall

1. Mow Shorter

During early and mid-fall, continue to cut your grass as usual. Toward the end of the season, lower your lawn mower blade to its closest setting for the last two mows of the season. Cutting your grass shorter will let more sunlight reach each plant's crown.

2. Aerate

To allow oxygen, fertilizer, and water to penetrate deep into the ground to the roots of your grass, aerate your lawn. If you’re like most homeowners and don’t have an aerating machine, rent one at your local power equipment store.

3. Rake

Raking is a time-consuming chore, but it helps to protect your lawn from fungus and suffocation. Rake leaves frequently to keep them from accumulating and sticking together due to dampness.

4. Fertilize

While grass doesn't grow its leaves much in the fall, it invests a lot of energy in its roots. If you provide the water and nutrients the grass needs now, you'll be rewarded with healthy growth in the spring.

5. Kill Weeds

Weeds also absorb as much water as they can at this point in the year, which makes it an excellent time to apply an herbicide. Kill off these lawn invaders now to enjoy a weed-free spring.

With proper care and good timing, you can prepare your lawn for a beautiful renewal next year. If you follow these tips for using your lawn mower and protecting your grass from the hazards of the season, you will create the perfect environment for new growth when warm weather returns.

If you're looking for a lawn mower, edger, hedge trimmer, or multitask tool to use in your yard, you will find what you need at Wagoner Power Equipment in Englewood, OH. Their selection of STIHL® tools and high-quality accessories offers everything you need to help your yard get through the cold seasons. Call (937) 836-9611 to speak with a staff member about buying or renting power equipment and visit them online to check out their product inventory. Like them on Facebook for more news and advice from the business.