Here are some essential fall lawn care tips to help you prepare your yard for the colder months ahead:
Rake Leaves Regularly
Fallen leaves can smother your grass, blocking sunlight and trapping moisture, which can lead to fungal diseases. Regularly raking and removing leaves will keep your lawn healthy and allow it to breathe.
Mow at the Right Height
As temperatures drop, gradually lower your lawn mowing height. Avoid cutting it too short, as this can stress the grass. Usually, cutting the grass to about 2.5 inches for cool-season grasses and 1.5-2 inches for warm-season grasses helps prevent snow mold and other winter diseases.
Aerate the Soil
Lawn aeration involves perforating the soil with small holes to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the grass roots. Aim for 20-40 plugs per square foot. This helps alleviate soil compaction and promotes stronger root growth. Fall is an ideal time to aerate your lawn, as it gives the grass time to recover before winter.