Fall is right around the corner, which means it’s almost time for hayrides, pumpkin spice everything, and a new lawn care routine for your home in Raleigh, NC.
As the weather changes, and the temperature drops, you’ll need to adjust your lawn care maintenance to prepare it for the next few seasons. Even though North Carolina is known for its exceptionally mild winters, it’s paramount that you take care of your lawn during the colder months in order to ensure a vibrant and green spring and summer.
So, here are five tips for preparing your lawn for fall in Raleigh.
Don’t Stop Mowing
Fall isn’t cold enough to where you need to stop mowing, so it’s a good idea to maintain your summer mowing schedule until the first day of winter. Be sure to mow and water your lawn regularly.
Stick to watering towards the end of the day, or first thing in the morning. This way, you don’t have to worry about higher temperatures evaporating the water you’re putting into your lawn.
Adjust Your Mower Blades
Whether you have grass that favors warm or cold weather, you’ll want to raise your mower blades come September 23rd. Each type of grass will have its own recommended length, but here are the lengths for some of the Piedmont Region’s most popular grass types:
- Kentucky Bluegrass: 2.5-3 inches
- Fescue: 2-3 inches
- Centipede: 1.5-2 inches
- Bermuda: 1-2 inches
And While You’re At It, Sharpen Your Blades
Sharp lawn mower blades yield a cleaner cut throughout the year. That’s why you should regularly sharpen your blades.
Come the end of the grass-cutting season, go ahead and sharpen them one more time. While you’re at it, clean out dried grass and debris from the mower. You’ll thank yourself come spring!
Aerate Your Lawn to Prevent Soil Compaction
During the brutal winter months, your lawn is in danger of drying out and compacting. When this happens, roots have a more difficult time absorbing water and nutrients. This happens as a result of extreme temperatures and foot traffic, but there’s a simple way to prevent it!
In the fall, be sure to aerate your lawn before winter. Aeration is the act of poking small holes into the soil of your lawn. By increasing the air flow, you prevent the soil from getting compacted and negatively affecting the roots of your grass.
Consider Using Fertilizer
Depending on the type of grass you have, fertilizing your lawn may help to keep it healthy and vibrant during the winter. If you have a warm-season grass like Bermuda, Zoysia, or Centipede, avoid fertilizing it.
However, if you have a cool-season grass, fertilizing it will keep it healthy. Be sure to fertilize it about six to eight weeks before the first frost of the season.
Tired of Maintaining Your Lawn?
Fall is a busy time of year for so many reasons, so if you don’t have time to take care of your lawn; don’t worry. Let us do it for you!
Here at Just Green Lawns, we know how to keep your lawn looking healthy and vibrant throughout the year, no matter its size or grass type. We’re here to help you with all your landscaping and lawn care needs. Just give us a call today to schedule a consultation.