Fall is an important time for lawn upkeep. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to do so sustainably and so that you can reap the benefits of a beautiful green lawn by the time next spring rolls around.
Aerate Your Lawn
A great, sustainable way to prep your lawn in the fall for a healthy season once the weather warms is to aerate it. This process refers to perforating the soil with small holes that allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the grass roots. This prompts deeper roots and, in turn, a stronger lawn.
Aerating your lawn alleviates soil compaction, allowing for better air circulation and water flow, which means grass will be able to take in nutrients in a more productive manner.
Remove Weeds
Next is a tip straight from Dr. Frank Rossi, the Chief Science Officer at Sunday, a leading developer of sustainable lawn care. He notes that there’s a distinct competitive advantage for treating and removing weeds at this time of year. That’s because the fall is when they’re about to flower, allowing them to seed and store energy in their roots for the winter months ahead. Thus, pulling weeds now negates that process and this also proves to be the time when weeds are easier to identify. For that reason, pull them straight from the root for a healthier lawn.
Apply the Last Round of Fertilizer
Another tip from Sunday’s Dr. Frank Rossi for a healthy fall lawn is to take this season as the last chance to apply fertilizer to your lawn. September and October are great times for this in most areas, and you can even use the company’s Smart Lawn Plan to deliver the right nutrients at the right time to help your lawn stay healthy throughout the winter and into the spring months. These nutrients are made with fortifying ingredients like seaweed extract for root growth, iron for late season green up, and calcium to build plant strength and disease resistance.
Continue to Mow
Just because the summer is over doesn’t mean that you should retire your lawn mower for the season! Keep your grass at a height of two to three inches tall during this season. Grass that is too tall going into winter could matte under the weight of snow, which would make it vulnerable to snow mold or even fungus. But beware the clipping grass to be too short over the winter months leaves it susceptible to damage from the cold. Keep mowing as long as the weather is nice enough to maintain that perfect height balance.
Rake Leaves Consistently
The falling leaves certainly look pretty in your lawn throughout the fall, but keeping up with them is an important part of sustainable lawn care during this season. If you leave these leaves on your grass during the fall and throughout the winter, it will cause bald spots throughout your lawn. Leaf litter blocks light and traps moisture, resulting in soggy, decaying patches throughout your yard.
Rake your leaves consistently then pair that with mowing the lawn to the recommended length mentioned above. This duo of actions is important in setting your lawn up for success. Plus, there are several things you can do with your fall leaves, such as composting them – another thing that’s great for the planet!
Adjusting Watering Habits
The final tip we’ll share from Sunday’s Chief Science Officer is that you should adjust your watering habits as the fall sets in. This is a good thing to do for both your lawn and the planet! As the temperatures begin to cool, your lawn will require less and less water. For this reason, gradually reduce your watering. Overwatering your grass during this time isn’t just a waste of resources, either. It can also lead to disease for your grass.
The time to primp your lawn for a lush spring is now! As we head into the crisp days of fall, find the time to sustainably care for this major part of your yard, doing something great for your landscaping and the planet.
Source link : https://www.doityourself.com/stry/sustainable-fall-lawn-care
