The changing seasons can be fascinating to watch. However, when summer starts turning into fall, homeowners and commercial businesses need to pay closer attention to their lawns. Neglecting this vital aspect of your property can have negative consequences for your curb appeal.
While the North Texas weather during the fall and winter isn’t as volatile as in other regions of the country, it can still impact lawn services that have been ignored. For many, a simple lack of time may be the reason for neglecting their lawns, which might mean reaching out to a commercial landscape company to handle the job might be the best course of action.
If you choose to take care of fall lawn maintenance yourself, here are eight steps you can take to ensure quality grounds maintenance:
8 Essential Tips for Fall Lawn Care
1. A Lower Mower
Lowering the blade on your lawnmower by no more than two inches during the fall is important to avoid the problem of taller grass becoming matted. This can lead to further issues, especially if you cut it too short, which makes it vulnerable to colder weather. For the last cut or two before winter, set the blade to its lowest setting.
2. Rake Those Leaves
Falling leaves are a clear sign of fall, but leaving them unattended won’t allow your lawn to breathe or receive sunlight, which could result in a dead lawn next spring. Removing leaves regularly is essential to prevent costly lawn repairs. For frequent maintenance, consider hiring a commercial landscape company to handle the task.
3. The Value of Mulching
Instead of removing leaves, you can use your lawnmower to mulch them into smaller pieces, which helps your lawn thrive. Ideally, mulch should be chopped to the size of a dime to allow beneficial bugs like worms to assist in the recycling process. Achieving this may require the services of a professional lawn service.
4. Water That Grass
While fall generally brings wetter conditions, assumptions about adequate watering can be misleading. Some seasons have insufficient rainfall, causing your lawn to miss vital moisture. A good rule of thumb is to ensure your lawn receives about one inch of water per week.
5. Fixing Bald Spots
Summer activity and the brutal Texas heat can lead to bare patches on your lawn. Spreading a mix from a lawn care store is the easiest solution, but busy homeowners and businesses might prefer to leave such tasks to grounds maintenance professionals.
6. Fertilize the Lawn
Even if your lawn is in decent shape, fertilizing during the fall is crucial. This will provide a protective cover from freezing temperatures and prepare the grass for growth in the spring. The best time to fertilize is in the middle or late portion of the fall season.
7. Aeration
Before fertilizing, aerating your lawn is essential to allow it to breathe. Ignoring this step can lead to thatch build-up and soil clogs, preventing water and oxygen from reaching the roots. After aeration, the fertilizer can work effectively. If you don’t have a core aerator, you can hire professionals who regularly perform grounds maintenance.
8. The Importance of Timing
Addressing lawn problems at your convenience is not a reliable strategy. For example, applying fertilizer too early will be counterproductive when the cold weather arrives, while delaying aeration may negate its benefits. If you can’t find the time for these essential jobs, it’s best to hire professionals.
The Best Option
Maintaining a lawn is hard work, but it’s a necessary task that should not be overlooked. Lawn and Land Care has been a North Dallas fixture since 2002, building a stellar reputation as a quality commercial landscape company. For trusted lawn services, give us a call at 214-293-3793 or fill out our online form.
