With the cold months quickly approaching, it’s common for lawn and yard care to fall down on the list of priorities. For many, the arrival of cold weather means putting away the lawnmower until spring.
Still, there are a few key steps for maintaining your landscape in the colder months to ensure you have a beautiful and lush yard once spring arrives. In this guide, we at Absolute Landscapes go over a few maintenance tips to keep your property pristine this fall and winter.
Keep Mowing
The final day of mowing depends on the condition of your lawn and your kind of grass. For example, bluegrass will continue to grow (albeit slowly) in the colder months. Regular mowing keeps your lawn free of debris and ensures that your grass height is low enough to discourage fungus growth. You will most likely be able to park that lawnmower for good towards the end of November or the beginning of December, depending on fall temperatures.
Fertilize Your Lawn
We recommend giving your lawn a complete round of fertilizing in the fall to replenish nutrients lost in the soil during the summer. A potassium-rich fertilizer is ideal for cold months, as it helps support root growth in harsh weather. If you are not sure about what kind of fertilizer to use, our experts can provide professional landscape maintenance to ensure your lawn gets exactly what it needs.
Mulch Your Leaves
Raking will be your primary lawn maintenance chore in the fall. Fortunately, excess leaves need not be the bane of your existence, as you can let them do your mulching for you. Allowing leaves to disintegrate into the soil is the easiest way to ensure your lawn stays nourished once the frost sets in. However, be careful with the thickness of your mulch; too many leaves will cause dampness in the soil, which can promote mold growth and do more harm than good.
Aerate Your Lawn
Aeration is the process of opening up the soil to let it “breathe,” which allows the roots to grow while also improving drainage. You should only consider aeration if your lawn is prone to compaction. Adding quality seed after aeration helps create a stronger yard that is able to resist weed growth. For more details on lawn care, you can explore our Landscaping FAQ.
Test Your Soil
Fall is a great time to conduct a pH test on your lawn soil. This will let you know if you need to lower your soil’s acidity and, if so, how much lime you will need to apply. While soil testing may sound technical, it’s a straightforward process. You can learn more about it from the University of Maryland Extension.
For more pointers on autumn and winter lawn care, contact our landscaping experts!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is the last time I should mow my lawn in the fall? You should continue mowing until the first hard frost, typically in late November or early December in the Howard County area. Lower the blade for the last two cuts to allow more sunlight to reach the crown of the grass and prevent fungal growth.
2. Is it better to bag or mulch leaves in the fall? Mulching is generally better as it returns valuable nutrients to the soil. However, if you have a very thick layer of leaves, it’s best to bag them to prevent them from smothering the grass and causing mold.
3. Why is fall a good time to fertilize my lawn? Fertilizing in the fall helps your lawn recover from the summer heat and provides essential nutrients for root growth during the winter. This leads to a healthier, greener lawn in the spring.
4. How do I know if my lawn needs to be aerated? If your soil is hard to the touch, water puddles on the surface after rain, or your lawn sees heavy foot traffic, it likely needs aeration. This process relieves soil compaction, allowing air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots.