Fall is a time for rejuvenation from the long, hot summer days. This is true for you and your lawn. To have the best possible look for a lawn in the upcoming spring and summer months, a lawn needs to be prepped for the frigid winter. Lawn maintenance at the end of a season will bring your area back healthier and stronger than the previous year. Winterizing your lawn is one of the best ways to maintain the health of your grass, trees, shrubs, and flowers.
Although it may feel like all the mowing and trimming is done for the year, it is vital to keep the grass trimmed and clean. This is best until about two weeks after there have been no visible signs of green. Two inch blades are typically the advised length. If too long, the grass could retain moisture and cause disease. On the other hand, if the grass is too short it will be overexposed to the wind and winter sun. Give special attention to areas that produce high weeds.
Autumn is also the season to fertilize a lawn for the last time since your lawn is still growing roots in preparation of the winter. Fertilizing the roots safe guards them against a killing frost. One that is high in nitrogen or phosphorus and potassium are winter friendly. This may seem insignificant and perhaps a waste of money, but a lawn needs its last rejuvenation before winter.
Raking the leaves is an important job for the health of your yard that is often neglected. Leaves that are left on the grass all year round can suffocate the roots and cause death. They can also prevent water from entering or trap water that was already overlaid. It may seem tedious and insignificant, but it will make the difference on the look of a lawn. However, do not be quick to dispose of the compost after finishing. Leaving the dry leaves in a pile will allow the nutrients to reach deep soil.
All flower gardens can benefit from end-of-season clean-up. Diseased flowers or those inflicted with insects should be the first to go. If the whole plant has become infected it is best to dispose of it whole to prevent the whole garden from becoming infected. Following, trim all the dead flower heads and stems. Perennials should be completely cut back unless leaving the seeds for a winter bird. Consider potting some plants and flowers to provide protection if they are too weak to bare winds and cold.
Bitter winds or frost can be too tough on flower beds and plants. Replacing old mulch is a recommended option to maintain a higher temperature in the soil, raise the freeze line, and encourage microbial activity. This should be added around flower beds, trees, and shrubs. Mulch also improves the look of a landscape throughout the months of unattractive dead grass. Chopped leaves, wood shavings, pine needles, straw, or compost can all be used as mulch.
