As the summer winds down, recouping your lawn from a blazing hot and dry season can seem incredibly challenging, and some homeowners give up entirely. However, when you intentionally “bed” your landscape and yard for the cold winter season, you can reap the rewards of a lush, healthy lawn come next spring. Our Tri-Cities landscaping experts at Promier Landscapes share ten pro tips for fall lawn care so that you can restore the health of your yard while preparing for the upcoming fall and winter months.
Feed your lawn
After a nutrient-robbing cruel summer, you should replenish and refuel your lawn with fall fertilization. Not only will it restore lost nutrients, but it boosts your lawn’s root health too. Our Bristol landscaping pros advise homeowners that fall fertilization should occur from Labor Day into early October for the best results.
Water the lawn
Although the temperatures are cooler, your lawn and plants are thirsty when it doesn’t rain regularly. Watering your lawn early in the day can reduce evaporation and risk of disease. Also, prolonged watering sessions help grass produce deeper roots, increasing its survivability during drought. When you notice water soaking quickly into the soil, apply more water.
Air the soil
Regular foot traffic and thatch build-up can compact the soil, stopping nutrients and oxygen from reaching the roots. But, according to Johnson City’s landscape pros, lawn aeration can loosen the dirt and provide a greater chance of life-sustaining nutrients reaching the grass roots and promoting growth. In addition, aeration can help your lawn with sparse new growth, tough ground, balding turf, water pools, and matted-down grass.
Level and reseed
Leveling your lawn can help repair low-lying areas where water collects. First, fill in ruts and holes with dirt until flat and level. Then, reseed your lawn in the early fall so that root establishment begins before winter arrives. If your lawn is level, loosen the soil with a dethatching rake and apply seed evenly.
Divide plants
Perennial plants can sometimes overcrowd an area. Fall is a great time to divide your perennials and replant them elsewhere on your property. Our pro landscapers in Kingsport advise cutting back the plant to reduce shock when transplanting it.
Plant bulbs
Planting bulbs in the fall lends to the joy of spring’s first blooms: tulip, daffodil, and crocus. However, later in the fall season, preferably after the first frost, is the best time to plant the bulbs.
Remove leaves
Removing leaves and debris in the fall can make spring a more pleasant season to work in the yard and help keep pests at bay. Therefore, our expert landscapers in the Tri-Cities area advise homeowners to clear the property of leaves and sticks to prevent possible suffocation from wet, heavy foliage that could cause disease breeding.
Mow low
Mowing your lawn extra short during the last seasonal mowing can prevent overgrowth in the early fall months and into winter. Then, clean your lawn equipment and safely store it until the spring mowing season begins.
Decorate for the holidays
According to our skilled landscapers in Bristol, fall is an excellent season to add personality and color to your property. So, draw attention to your lawn this fall with festive decorations, mums, and landscape lighting.
Clean up
Cleaning up toys or other yard items before the winter begins can help preserve them while protecting your lawn’s health. Also, wash and adequately store patio furniture for the winter season.
Lawncare in Kingsport, Johnson City, and Bristol, Tennessee
Even though you may be frustrated with your lawn’s condition after an intensely hot and dry summer, preparing your lawn for fall can restore health and vitality to your property. You could return next spring to a lush, complete, and healthy lawn when you follow the above steps to prepare your property for winter. Contact Johnson City’s landscaping pros from Promier Landscapes for more tips or schedule a lawn consultation to restore your lawn’s health. Call us at (423) 872-2988 or contact us online to schedule an appointment today!