Caring for your lawn is a year-round job and while it may seem like the workload becomes less in the fall, there is still plenty to do. Fall lawn maintenance prevents damage during the winter and helps plants thrive once spring arrives. At Portage Turf Specialists LLC in Ravenna, OH, we know that a happy lawn is a healthy lawn, so follow these fall lawn cleanup tips to keep your lawn happy and healthy.
Remove or Mulch Leaves
You should never leave your yard buried in leaves. As the leaves decompose, they can attract pests and even mold that can be damaging to your lawn. They also block much-needed sunlight and air from reaching your grass. However, leaves are also beneficial to your lawn, so consider leaving some behind to give pollinators a place to nestle over the winter. Or, use your lawnmower to sweep them up and chop them into tiny pieces to give your lawn the nutrients it needs.
Aerate and Overseed
Fall is the perfect time to aerate and overseed your lawn. On an aerated lawn, water penetrates more deeply into the soil, creating a deeper root system that is much more tolerant of drought. Additionally, an aerated lawn is more resilient. Because of the additional oxygen in the soil, the roots will be thick and healthy, making the blades thick and healthy too. By overseeding your lawn, you’re able to fill in the bare spots with new grass to strengthen your entire lawn and create a thick bed of grass that is resistant to unwanted pests and weed
Fertilize
Fall is also the perfect time to fertilize your lawn. However, before you fertilize, it’s a great idea to get a soil test to take the guesswork out of any nutrient issues your lawn may have. If the pH level in your soil is too high, it will have fewer nutrients. If it’s too low, it can cause toxicity which will adversely affect your plants. Therefore, getting your soil tested will inform you about which fertilizers may be necessary to create a healthy soil environment.
Cleaning up your lawn in the fall will lead to a healthy, happy lawn in the spring. For more tips like these or to learn about our lawn care services, contact Portage Turf today at (330) 296-8873. We provide naturally better lawn care throughout Northeast Ohio including the communities of Kent, Aurora, and Hudson, OH.
