Aerate, Rake, Fertilize, Weed Control, and Landscaping (Retaining Walls, Plant Borders, Lay Sods, Plant Trees/Shrubs).
Fall has found us again with its colder temperatures and snow soon nipping at its heels! As the traditional landscaping season draws to a close, it is easy to assume that there is nothing left to do but wait for snowfall. However, Hambleton Services, Inc. is here to remind you of our tips for keeping your lawn healthy during the colder months of the year.
Remove Leaf Litter
Although the colorful leaves on your lawn create a carpet that pleases the eye and can be fun to play in, they are not the best for grass. Leaf cover blocks sunlight from getting to your lawn and also traps in moisture. The build-up of moisture and decay of the leaves will bring on mold and premature rot.
That is why we suggest raking and removing leaves as they fall and even after all the leaves have fallen from the trees. As the wind picks up, it will carry leaves into piles against your home that will need to be removed long after the color season has faded.
Keep Trimming Your Grass
Even though we may have pulled out sweaters and donned jackets does not mean it is time to put away the lawnmower just yet. Did you know that grass will continue to grow right up until the first hard frost? Until then, you will need to keep your grass cut to around 2.5 to 3 inches in height.
If you neglect to keep your grass trimmed, it will grow too long and mat much as human hair does. When this happens, it makes your lawn susceptible to the growth of fungi and even snow mold. Conversely, if you cut the height of your sod too close, it is not healthy either. Mowing your lawn too short will curtail the growth of your grass and deprive its root system of being able to handle the harshness of the winter cold and dry season.
If you are unsure of how to properly maintain the height of your lawn during Autumn don’t hesitate to contact us here at Hambleton Services we will help you.
Continue to Water Your Lawn
Although we tend to have more rain in the fall months here in Western North Carolina, it does not indicate that you can stop watering your lawn.
Your lawn needs an average of an inch of water per week. The best way to track how much water is falling on your grass is to purchase an inexpensive rain gage and monitor the rainfall.
A general rule of thumb is to continue watering your lawn until the end of October.
Aerate the Soil
Every couple of years, it is good to aerate the soil of your lawn. This keeps your turf from becoming too compacted and covered with thatch. Thatch is a thick layer of stems, roots, debris, and more that blocks your grass from getting what it needs.
An aerator punches holes through and lets oxygen, nutrients, and water back into the soil. Fall is a perfect time of year to aerate after the summer growth of plants and grass.
Add Fertilizer and Grass Seed
After you aerate your turf, it is the prime time to add fertilizer to your grass and seed your lawn. Your plants will thank you for giving them one last shot of plant fertilizer before the winter cold arrives. Fertilizing gives your grass a boost to protect itself from freezing so it can bounce back in spring.
Furthermore, go ahead and seed at the same time because the best preventative to weeds is to have a dense lawn. The warm temperatures during the day, coupled with more rain and less evaporation, provide the ideal environment for seeds to take root.
we said, you might be tempted to ignore your lawn and just head indoors and ignore the grass until spring, but that is not what is best to keep it healthy. If you find yourself too busy to maintain your lawn as the weather turns colder or want an expert to help you, Hambleton Services is here for you. Contact us today for all your lawn care needs while you enjoy the season!
