Fall is an important time of year for lawn care. Grass is preparing to go dormant and requires preparation to withstand the harsh winter cold. Want your grass to emerge healthy, green, and ready for sustained spring growth? Belknap Landscape has a few simple tips for fall lawn care.

Remove leaves and debris. Leaves and other debris can block sunlight and trap moisture, encouraging disease and pests. Rake or blow leaves off your lawn regularly, especially after a storm when they’re deep.

Dethatch. The layer of dead grass between the blades and the soil’s surface is called thatch. Dethatching provides many lawn health benefits, including stronger and deeper roots, reduced disease, fungus, and pest risk, improved soil health, decreased stormwater runoff, and improved fertilizer absorption. Dethatching is a critical part of the fall lawn care process if you seek a great-looking spring lawn.

Mow shorter. Mow your grass shorter for your final seasonal cut. Reducing grass height to about 2.5 inches helps your lawn in several ways: it helps prevent the grass from laying over or matting down, helps prevent spring snow mold, and enables water and nutrients to reach roots all winter.

Aerate. Aeration provides small holes in the soil, allowing air, water, and nutrients to reach the grass roots more easily. Fall aeration helps the grass recover from summer stress and prepares for the reduced and erratic winter precipitation. Aeration can be done before or after overseeding.

Overseed and repair bare spots. Autumn’s cooler air and warm sun provide an optimal environment for new grass seed to establish itself before winter. Fall overseeding and bare spot repair increases the grass density for a thicker, greener spring lawn. They can effectively be done before or after aeration to optimize soil-to-seed contact. It’s also a good idea to watch the weather. All overseeding should be done well in advance of a forecasted frost so newly emerged seedlings will not die back. Target the completion of your fall lawn care by mid-October. Lastly, choose seed that is specific to our region and climate.

Fertilize. Fall fertilization helps grass store nutrients, build stronger roots, and become more resilient to cold-weather stress. Belknap Landscape’s organic Liquid Compost Extract is specifically designed for the Lakes Region weather and soil conditions and is an optimal choice for our New Hampshire location.

Control weeds. Weeds compete with your grass for nutrients and water; controlling them in the fall is critical for a great spring lawn. Weed control options include spot-treating with herbicides or applying broadleaf herbicides. Certified lawn care specialists can provide the optimal solution for you, your property, your family, and your pets.

Water regularly. Continue to regularly water grass during the fall. Deep, twice-weekly watering encourages root growth and makes a lawn more drought-tolerant. Belknap Landscape’s irrigation department can identify the best time to turn off irrigation systems for the season and schedule your seasonal blowout.

Edge. An edged border around flower beds helps prevent weeds from encroaching. Edging provides a clean, well-kept look for your property and frames attractive features like late-blooming annuals, perennials, or seasonal decorations. Seasonal decorations are a Belknap Landscape specialty and can transform your front porch or entryway with a gorgeous fall look.

When your property looks good, we look good. We’d be delighted to help you achieve your property vision. Contact us today for a fall lawn care or decorating quote.