Lawn Care Tips for Fall
There is a lot that goes into having a beautiful lawn, during the spring and summer months lawn turf is actively growing, therefore, we must ensure that our lawns are well taken care of by the many best management practices that include the proper mowing height, adequate irrigation a good fertilizing program, lawn aeration as needed and keeping an eye out for lawn pests and diseases (treat immediately) which can turn a healthy lawn into a nightmare if control measures are not taken right away.
Now that the fall months are here we must continue to give our lawns tender loving care as we approach the winter months, what we do now with our lawns will determine their performance with the return of spring. We will be discussing what we should do to keep our lawn turf healthy as we go through the fall months.
Putting these measures in place will ensure that when the warmer seasons arrive we would have given our lawns a jump or a head start to continue to grow healthy. With that said we now turn our attention to fall lawn care tips for South Florida.
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1. Leaf Removal
The removal of leaves from your lawn is so important, some may think that the presence of leaves on their lawn will add nutrients but the truth of the matter is a build-up of soggy leaves will encourage disease (fungus). Another downside to a buildup of leaves is that leaves can block out the sunlight preventing the grass from being able to produce food.
A buildup of leaves will also encourage garden insect pests as they hide in leaf litter where they will overwinter, a good lawn raking will also discourage thatch buildup. Once a week is sufficient to control leaf litter. Thinking of starting a compost pile then some of those leaves can be used as compost which garden plants love.
2. Continue Mowing
Continue to mow your lawn until the cold sets in, once winter frost sets in your grass will stop growing. Remember to always mow your lawn at the proper height.
3. Keep Watering
Although we are in the cooler months now is not the time to discontinue watering, our lawns need to be watered continually. The cooler weather may allow you to decrease your water schedule but monitor your grass and water as needed. If it rains depending on how much rain and the amount of rainfall you may not need to water. Installing a rain gauge can help with this.
4. Watch for Pest Issues
Lawn pests can be a big deal as well, the key is to properly identify and apply the right treatment at the right rate or dosages for success. Follow the manufacturer’s direction for the best results. Once winter ends and the warm season arises insects that are not dealt with now can become an issue during the spring and summer months, take care of these pests now to limit the damage, or if you prefer call in a professional lawn care company provided you have the budget or shop around for a company that will work with your budget.
5. Fill in Bare Spots
Areas of your lawn that have bare spots or even burn can be repaired by reseeding with the right grass. In order for seeds to germinate, they must make good contact with the soil. Seeds that don’t make contact with the soil will not germinate, the seeds must also receive adequate water as part of the germination process.
6. Apply a Fertilizer that’s High in Nitrogen
This move will ensure that your lawn gets the right amount of nitrogen to carry it through the winter months and into spring encouraging healthy growth. Also if your goal is to aerate during the fall months then you should aerate right afterward. Aeration will cause the nutrients to reach deeper into the soil where it’s needed.
7. Consider Soil Aeration
The soil can become compacted because of heavy foot traffic, when this happens it’s difficult for water and nutrients to get to the grassroots. This will contribute to thinning and browning of the grass, lawn aeration during the fall months will encourage a green lush thick healthy grass. There are professional companies that can do the job for you depending on the size of your lawn or you can buy aeration shoes that have spikes. Just put them on and move back and forth over your lawn, the spikes that are attached to the shoes will make holes in the soil.
8. The Right Time
Timing is so important in order to have success, for example, if you fertilize and seed too close to the winter the soil will be restricted from taking up or absorbing nutrients for grass use. So remember to keep a tight schedule for success.
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Winterizing your lawn mower should be carried out once the cold weather sets in, this involves checking for damages, the removal of any gas from the machine’s tank that’s left if using a gas-powered machine is so important, cleaning the filter, sharpening the blade, along with changing the spark plugs and the oil should be done at this time also.
The final word on fall lawn tips for South Florida
These fall lawn tips can do so much to keep your lawns healthy and prepare them to weather the colder months that are just ahead of us, let’s follow this guide so when the warmer weather arrives we will have a lawn that’s thriving because if we take care of our lawns our lawns will do their best as they grow lush, green and healthy. With that said let’s start working on our lawns.
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About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.