Autumn is a beautiful season, rich with vibrant colors and a pleasant chill in the air. However, it's also a critical time for lawn care. The work you do in the fall prepares your grass for the rigors of winter and can significantly influence the health and appearance of your lawn in the spring. From leaf management to lawn mowing service, soil health checks to aeration, your lawn needs your attention during this transitional period.
Clearing the Leaves
When the trees around your property begin to shed their leaves, your lawn can quickly become smothered under a blanket of foliage. While the sight might be beautiful, these leaves can block sunlight, trap moisture, and become a breeding ground for diseases. Therefore, it's important to rake your lawn regularly or use a leaf blower to clear the leaves. You can use these leaves as compost for your garden or dispose of them according to your local regulations.
Mowing Lawns in Autumn
Mowing the lawn in autumn requires a different approach than in the summertime. As the growing season slows, it's recommended to gradually lower the cutting base of your lawn mower each time you mow. By the end of the fall, you should be cutting the grass to a height of about 1 to 1.5 inches. Shorter grass helps prevent snow mold and other diseases from taking hold during the winter months.
Nutrition for Lawns
Autumn is the ideal time to fertilize your lawn. As grass roots take a deep dive into the soil, providing them with the right nutrients can stimulate growth and boost your lawn's strength to endure the winter. Look for a high-quality, slow-release granular fertilizer that can feed your lawn with all the necessary nutrients it needs to thrive.
Shade is the Enemy of Grass
As the days grow shorter and the sunlight diminishes, it’s important to ensure your lawn receives as much sunlight as possible. This might mean pruning your trees to reduce the amount of shade they cast on your lawn, as grass needs ample sunlight to store energy for the coming winter.
Let it Breathe with Aeration
Over the summer months, your lawn may have become compacted, particularly in high-traffic areas. Compacted soil prevents grass roots from expanding and restricts the flow of water, air, and nutrients. Aeration — the process of punching small holes in the lawn — can relieve this compaction. This allows your lawn to breathe, promotes root growth, and helps nutrients from fertilizers to penetrate the soil more efficiently.
Check the Soil Health
Before the winter sets in, it's a good idea to test your soil's pH and nutrient levels. If the soil is too acidic or alkaline, it can hinder the growth of your grass. You can add lime to raise the pH level (making it more alkaline) or add sulfur to lower it (making it more acidic). For nutrient deficiencies, you may need to add specific types of fertilizer to your lawn.
Contact Western Landscape for Lawn Mowing Service in Madison, WI
If you live in Madison, WI, and are feeling overwhelmed with the tasks of autumn lawn care, Western Landscape is here to help. With experienced and dedicated professionals, we can handle all aspects of lawn maintenance, including mowing, aeration, leaf removal, soil testing, and more. Contact us today to schedule a consultation for lawn mowing service to ensure your lawn receives the best care possible this autumn, setting it up for a vibrant and healthy spring.
