Remember these tips to seamlessly guide your landscape into autumn.
As we prepare for autumn’s arrival, it’s time to start thinking about how to prepare your landscape for the changing season. At Scientific Plant Service, we understand that proper care during this transition is crucial for maintaining a healthy lawn throughout the fall and into the winter. Here are our top tips for transitioning your landscape into autumn.
Schedule Fall Fertilization
Fall is the perfect time to fertilize cool-season grasses. Plan to fertilize your lawn in September, October or November . This late-season fertilization gives your grass the nutrients it needs to bounce back from summer stress and build strong roots for the winter ahead. A properly fertilized lawn in the fall will green up faster in the spring and be more resilient against disease and pests.
Manage Weeds
Autumn is also an important time for weed control. Weed control is especially effective in the fall when the plants are sending reserves to the root system. Eradicating weeds gives your grass a better chance to thrive without competition. Addressing weeds now will save you time and effort in the spring when they become more challenging to manage.
Repair Bare Spots
If your lawn has bare spots, early autumn is the ideal time to repair them. The cooler temperatures and enhanced moisture create the perfect conditions for grass seeds to germinate and establish strong roots. Prepare the soil by loosening it with a rake, then spread the grass seed and press the seed into the soil for good soil/seed contact. Cover it lightly with straw or mulch to protect it from birds and help keep it moist. Keep the soil surface moist until the grass is well-established.
Invest in a Quality Rake
As the leaves fall, a quality rake becomes an essential tool for maintaining your lawn. Removing leaves promptly is vital because a thick layer of leaves can smother your grass, preventing sunlight from reaching it and leading to disease. Choose a rake that is comfortable to use and effective at gathering leaves without damaging your lawn. You can also mulch the leaves with your lawn mower and benefit from the free nutrients.
Stay Off Wet Grass
Avoid walking on wet grass during the fall, which can lead to soil compaction. Compacted soil limits root growth and reduces the lawn’s ability to absorb water and nutrients. If you must walk on your lawn, try to do so when it is dry to minimize the impact on the soil. Keeping foot traffic to a minimum will help maintain a healthy, well-aerated lawn.
Aerate Your Lawn
Aeration is a crucial practice for maintaining a healthy lawn, particularly in the fall. Aerating your lawn just before it enters its most active growth phase allows the grass to recover quickly and grow strong before winter. This process will also help reduce soil compaction, boost water and nutrient absorption, and promote healthier root growth.
Consider Laying Sod
If your lawn is in poor condition, fall is an excellent time to consider laying sod. The cooler temperatures and increased moisture make it easier for new sod to establish itself before winter. Sod provides an instant transformation, giving you a thick, green lawn without the wait.
At Scientific Plant Service, we’re here to help with all your lawn care needs, from fall fertilization to weed control and more. Contact us now to schedule your fall lawn care services and keep your landscape looking its best year-round.
Scientific Plant Service Is Your Go-To Source In Landscape Healthcare
Scientific Plant Service, located in Baltimore, is a privately owned corporation, chartered in Maryland in 1957 by Frank J. Burke. We started as a full-service Arborists specializing in the care of shade trees and ornamental shrubs, but today we are a Lawn Care company that is a huge part of the community. From aquatic environments and snow management to deer and mole control, SPS has services tailored specifically for your lawn and landscape.
We offer services in Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia, including: Harford, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Howard, Anne Arundel, Montgomery, Prince Georges, Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Calvert counties in MD, as well as Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Arlington, Alexandria, and Falls Church in VA. For more information, contact us online, or call us at 410-321-0970. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Pinterest.