<
p>One thing many people look forward to in fall is less yard work. The weather is cooler, the days are shorter, and the grass, weeds, and plants don’t grow quite as fast. This, however, doesn’t mean you should skip taking care of your lawn altogether. In fact, many experts agree that fall fertilization is the most important application of the year and should be at the top of your landscaping checklist.
Better Weather
We’ve talked in previous blogs about how your landscape needs relief from the summer heat as much as we do. Fall brings plenty of rainfall plus fresh morning dew that is hydration heaven for your lawn. Add that to the still warm days and cooler nights, and you have the perfect environment for fertilizer to refresh and renew your lawn before the harsh winter weather.
New Growth? No Worries
One reason many people hesitate to fertilize in the fall is the worry that new growth would appear if unseasonably warm weather returned, only to be damaged by imminently cold temperatures. It is important to time your fertilization just right to avoid too much new growth before the first frost but the cooling weather has naturally slowed the growing pattern. Rather than using the nutrients from the fertilizer towards active growth, grass will use them towards important survival functions such as diseases resistance and root development.
Stronger Roots
It is true that grass grows more slowly as the weather turns cool, but that’s just the leaves. The grass roots continue to grow quickly. Applying fertilizer during this period will deliver essential nutrients to help the roots grow deep and sturdy throughout the cooler seasons.
To make the most of your fall fertilization treatment, your lawn should be in good shape to maximize absorption. Any visible thatch should be removed and the lawn should be well hydrated to allow the nutrients to reach the roots more easily. Having your lawn aerated beforehand will also help with nutrient absorption by loosening the soil and creating pockets to reach the roots.
As with many lawn care treatments, fall fertilization involves a few different elements. When to fertilize in the fall and which fertilizer to use can vary from lawn to lawn. Our experts can take the guesswork out of planning your fall yard work. Click here to schedule your free consultation or to find out more landscaping maintenance tips for this season.