As the growing season winds down, it's tempting to put the lawn out of mind until spring. But fall is actually one of the most important times of year for lawn health. The care you give now builds strong roots that survive winter and green up fast when the weather warms. Here's our step-by-step guide for the Waterloo Region.
1. Keep mowing — but adjust the height
Continue mowing until the grass stops growing, usually after the first hard frosts. For the final cuts, lower the height slightly. Shorter grass going into winter is less likely to mat down under snow and develop snow mould.
2. Rake or mulch the leaves
A thick layer of wet leaves smothers grass and invites disease. Rake them up, or mulch them with your mower so they break down and feed the soil. Don't let leaves sit on the lawn all winter.
3. Aerate compacted soil
Fall is an ideal time for core or liquid aeration. Relieving compaction lets air, water and nutrients reach the roots before winter, and opens the soil for overseeding.
4. Overseed thin areas
Fall's cool, moist conditions are perfect for new grass to establish. Slit-seeding thin or bare patches now means a thicker lawn next spring — and fewer openings for weeds.
5. Apply a fall fertilizer
A late-season, root-building fertilizer is the single best thing you can do for next year's lawn. It stores energy in the roots over winter so the grass comes back lush and green in spring.
Not sure where to start? We handle all of this as part of our fall programs. Request a free estimate and we'll get your lawn winter-ready.