What To Do In Fall For A Greener Spring Lawn
Fall is the perfect time to invest in some lawn renovation if you want greener grass next spring. In early to mid-fall, temperatures are cooler but the ground is still warm, which means you can work safely on your lawn but there isn't as much pressure from weeds and insects. The following can help you decide what to do at this time to improve your yard:
#1: Clean it up
Chances are you will be outside with a rake at this time, so why not go a little deeper. Once the fallen leaves are up, grab a long dethatching rake. Use this to vigorously rake up the layer of thatch that has formed between the base of the grass plants and the top of the soil. This layer of dead plant material can suffocate roots by blocking oxygen and moisture, especially if the layer is more than ¼ inch thick. If you only have a thin layer of thatch, you can skip this step.
#2: Improve the soil quality
A summer of mowing and daily use has likely been hard on your soil. Compaction prevents moisture from soaking into the ground, which then leads to dry spots. These compacted areas are also more prone to forming puddles as the winter snow melts in a few months, which can result in dead grass or snow mold. The solution is simple – aerate the lawn to loosen the soil, and then fill any low areas with compost or a compost and sand mix.
#3: Replenish the soil
There are fall fertilizer blends available but they are usually applied later in the season. For early fall, spreading ½ inch of compost over the soil using a fertilizer spreader works well. If you have a weed problem, this is also a good time to spread a pre-emergent weed killer since it can kill any seeds recently shed over the summer, before the seeds work deeply into the soil.
#4: Reseed bare areas
Don't leave areas bare over winter since this will just lead to a muddy mess and spring weed invasion. Hydroseeding in fall is a good idea. In hydroseed, the grass seeds are encased in a moisturizing, nutrient-rich gel, which helps them germinate quickly and healthfully. Have the mixture sprayed over any bare areas and within a couple of weeks you will have a rich green lawn in the bare areas.
For more help, talk to a lawn company near you.