Seasonal Lawn Care
While winter has arrived for many of us, the weather is somewhat unpredictable anymore. With warmer seasons the autumn weather seems to last a bit longer in some regions nowadays. That said, fall lawn care is essential to a healthy turf. Just because it is getting cooler out, doesn't mean the work is through. Each fall, there are certain lawn care needs that you can have done to achieve that healthy green lawn that looks beautiful.
Probably the one of the most overlooked things one can do is a soil test. A lot of people are not even aware, or think about ever having soil tested. Having a soil test done can identify the proper levels of fertilizer that the lawn may need, and any problems with the acidity of the soil (pH). If the soil is extremely acidic, then one will need an application of lime, more than likely in both the spring, and the fall. The lower the pH, the more acidic the soil is. One needs to know the ph of the soil, as well as what types of fertilizer to use, but never fertilize without knowing the condition of the soil. One could do more harm than good in some cases.
Autumn is one of the best times to fertilize. If you only fertilize your lawn once a year then this is the ideal season to do it. I personal recommend at the very least two times a year, once in the spring, and again in the fall. Once to green it up, and once to keep it green. When you apply fertilizer in the fall you'll want to use an N-P-K ratio (Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium) of 3:1:2 or 4:1:2. It's not as important to match the ratios perfectly as it is to use them as a guideline. When in complete doubt, use a well balanced fertilizer.
So, now you know the condition of your soil, and you picked up your fertilizer of choice at the local hardware store. Check the fertilizer bag or container for information about how many square feet a bag will yield and what setting the spreader should be adjusted to. The best way to apply your fertilizer and lime is using a spreader. These can often be found at any hardware store or even you're local Walmart. I bought an inexpensive one for about at the hardware store 5 years ago and it still works great.
Something to consider prior to fertilizing and applying lime to the lawn, one really should aerate it. This is a great way to promote healthy growth of grass and prevent vegetation, and soil compaction. Aerating your lawn is an easy task that anyone can do, but if you prefer to have it done by a professional, ask your LCC about aeration today.
Lawn over seeding is another really important thing to be done in the autumn, if you want your lawn to stay thick and lush. By over seeding you can ensure that your lawn will have a long lustrous life. Over seeding will help replace grass loss as shoots die off.
One more tip, is to NOT leave leafs that have fallen to the ground on the grass. It is simply not possible to grow a healthy turfgrass under a mat of leafs. Not to mention the unsightly effects this has on a lawns aesthetics.
Your lawn, like all living things needs essential elements such as oxygen to survive. When one leaves leafs on the turf, it also will hinder the effectiveness of any herbicides, or fertilizers they may add. Leaf removable is an important task when it comes to your lawns health. Not to mention the benefits it has towards the overall aesthetics of your property. Be sure to ask your lawn care company (LCC) about leaf clean up, most do offer this service, and it is an investment worth making.
So this fall before you put all the tools away make sure you spend some time caring for your lawn. Or, if you are like most people nowadays, and use a LCC, be sure to check with your provider that all is being done that needs to be done. You'll be glad you did next spring when you are the envy of the neighborhood with your beautifully, lush green lawn.
Seasonal Lawn Care
Greenlee Tool
Seasonal Lawn Care
Seasonal Lawn Care
Seasonal Lawn Care
