Autumn Enhancements: Tips for Improving Your Yard This Fall

Seeing that your yard’s needs are met this fall will help your grass survive the cold months ahead and look amazing this coming spring. Here are essential maintenance tips you can do right now.

Clean up the leaves

Raking up the leaves is a great way to keep your yard looking nice this fall, and it's beneficial. Removing the leaves before it begins to snow will prevent mold growth and keep pests from invading your lawn. A layer of leaves can provide the perfect habitat for unwanted creatures.

Continue to mow

Continue to mow the grass throughout the fall. Your grass will continue to grow until the first frost. You can set the mowing level a little higher to mulch leaves, as long as they aren't too deep. During the final mow, cut the grass slightly shorter. Longer grass will mat during the winter and encourage mold growth.

Repair bare spots

Fall is the perfect time to repair any small bare spots in your yard. Grass does well in the cooler temperatures. It will sink its roots in and add top growth quickly. Keep seeded areas watered until the temperature drops to freezing.

Aerate the soil

Fall is an ideal time for aerating your yard. A layer of stems, roots, and debris that covers your soil keeps water and nutrients from reaching the roots of your grass. This layer is called thatch. Aeration puts holes in the thatch so your grass can feed. Lawn care providers use specially designed tools for this task. Having them aerate your yard now will encourage healthy roots and excellent growth in the spring. You can find a lawn care provider in your area by using AskHomey.com.

Fertilize

Fertilizing in the fall helps your grass develop strong roots and store the nutrients it needs for spring growth. Apply a slow-release granular formula between mid-October and early November. The growth will have stopped, but the roots will continue to develop.

Kill the weeds

If your fertilizer didn't include a weed killer, you’ll need to apply one separately. Applying a weed killer now will prevent weeds and keep your yard looking great as it starts to grow in the early spring.

Put away outside items

All your lawn furniture, outside toys, and decorative summer items need to be put in storage. These things can damage your yard if they sit in one spot throughout the winter. By taking the time to put them away in the fall, you’ll have a healthier lawn in the coming year.

With a little extra care this fall, you’ll have a beautiful yard to enjoy in the spring. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more lawn care tips.