As the seasons start to change, homeowners have to take certain lawn care measures to ensure their landscaping survives the colder weather. While most plants go into hibernation or die off entirely throughout winter, landscape contractors recommend taking the following precautions to keep lawns healthy through the remainder of the year. Below are a few helpful suggestions to set you up for a successful spring.

5 Fall Lawn Care Tips

1. Adjust the Lawn Mower

For the most effective lawn mowing as the weather gets cooler, adjust the height of the blade to around three inches. Although grass does grow more slowly after the first frost, it doesn’t stop entirely; making this adjustment prevents it from being cut so short that it can’t withstand winter temperatures.

2. Stick to a Watering Schedule

Lawns continue to need watering well into the fall, so make sure to give yours the water it needs at least once a week. It’s best to do this early in the morning to mitigate evaporation. Also, apply enough water to wet the soil several inches deep for maximum effectiveness.

3. Prune the Trees

If trees are part of your landscape design, use this time to have them pruned to protect the lawn. Not only will this take away the hassle of having to spend your free time raking away dead leaves, but it also prevents those leaves from smothering the grass and creating dead patches.

4. Apply Fertilizer

Fall is a crucial time for lawn fertilizing because it gives the grass the nutrients it needs to survive the cold winter and better prepares it for lush growth in the spring. Spreading a nitrogen-rich fertilizer across the entirety of the area is a must during this time of year.

5. Aerate the Lawn

Aeration helps grass receive the water, oxygen, and nutrients it needs from the fertilizer. It also promotes healthy growth. Aerating in the fall relieves the stress the lawn experiences from soil compaction and heat brought on by the summer months.

 

If you need help with fall lawn care, contact the experts at the family-owned and -operated Penton Lawn and Landscaping in Papillion, NE. With over 50 years of combined experience serving Bellevue, Gretna, and the Greater Omaha area, their team of licensed and insured landscaping contractors can help with all of the lawn maintenance tasks necessary to keep the landscaping healthy all season long. Schedule an estimate by calling (402) 614-8200 or learn more online.