Fall is a beautiful time of year in Florida, but it also brings some challenges for lawn care. As the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, your grass may start to slow down its growth and enter a dormant state. This means you need to adjust your lawn care routine to keep your grass healthy and green. Here are some fall lawn care tips to help you prepare your lawn for the upcoming season.
Mow Less Frequently and At a Higher Height
Since your grass is growing slower, you don’t need to mow as often as you did in summer. You also want to leave your grass a bit longer, about 3 to 4 inches, to help it retain moisture and protect the roots from frost. This will also prevent weeds from germinating and competing with your grass for nutrients.
Water Less Often but More Deeply
Your lawn still needs water in fall, but not as much as in summer. You can reduce your watering frequency to once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil conditions. However, you should water more deeply, about an inch per watering, to encourage deeper root growth and drought tolerance. The best time to water is in the morning, when the evaporation rate is low, and the water has time to soak into the soil.
Fertilize With a Slow-Release Formula
Fall is a good time to fertilize your lawn with a slow-release formula that will provide nutrients throughout the winter. This will help your grass store energy and prepare for spring growth. You should apply fertilizer in late September or early October, before the first frost.
Aerate and Overseed If Needed
Aeration is a process of making small holes in the soil to improve air circulation and water penetration. This can help relieve soil compaction and improve root development. Overseeding is a process of spreading new grass seeds over your existing lawn to fill in bare spots and improve density. This can help prevent weed invasion and improve the appearance of your lawn. You should aerate and overseed your lawn in early fall when the soil temperature is still warm enough to grow seeds.
Rake and Remove Leaves Regularly
Leaves can create a layer of thatch on your lawn that can block sunlight, water, and air from reaching the grass. This can lead to disease, pest infestation, and brown patches. You should rake and remove leaves from your lawn regularly, especially after heavy winds or storms. You can also use a mulching mower to chop up the leaves and return them to the soil as organic matter.
This fall, if you find yourself struggling to keep your lawn looking healthy, contact your local lawn management company for further advice and assistance unique to your lawn.