Autumn may seem the least likely season to pay attention to your lawn with winter approaching on your doorstep. But keep in mind however that spring is also just around the corner, and the state of your lawn during fall can heavily impact how it fares once the frost thaws out. Thus, it is a must to take the necessary steps to lawn care even during the cold winds of fall.
Tips for Lawn Care
Here, a St. Louis lawn care company shares a few significant tips every lawn owner must bear in mind to maintain his yard’s condition in the months of fall.
#1. Fertilize for Spring
It is no secret for lawn experts that fall is the perfect time to fertilize your yard. This is because of the continuous growth of grassroots and rhizomes during the cold season despite facing a slowdown in their body’s growth. Also, the soil can use the extra nutrients to get it through winter. Fall is the optimal time to grow those roots a lot quicker just in time for your lawn’s glorious return next spring.
On the late months of fall, apply a consistent and even layer of dry fertilizer on all grass patches. You may use nitrogen-rich fertilizer to store in the necessary nutrients to the soil.
#2. Fight back the Weeds
With all the nutrients to stockpile to the soil ready for spring, it is only understandable to keep at bay those who would try to rob it. Maintain control of those rampant weeds to ensure that your soil can maintain its nutrients.
You can use herbicide to kill off weeds during the early months of fall so that they won’t make a comeback in spring. Proceed with caution however and read the label first before use to know the correct amount needed and the best time of the season to apply.
#3. Rake those Leaves
Threats to your grass’ health can come from above, more specifically autumn leaves. Raking may seem like a chore for many, but you must know that is equally important to get rid of them as soon as possible. Rain and dew can cause even delicate autumn leaves to stick together and form sheets that are hard to get rid of. Such mats of leaves can cut off sunlight from your grass and make room for the growth of fungi.
Raking at least once a week is enough to prevent the leaves from clumping. Take note though that the wind can also cause leaves to fall onto your lawn, so having no nearby trees in your property doesn’t exempt you from grabbing that hoe or lawnmower.
#4. A Time for Air
With the air of spring fast approaching, it is best also to aerate your soil when it finally arrives. Soil airing is the process of allowing oxygen and nutrients to better reach your grass’ roots.  Proper airflow in the soil can prevent the deposition of debris, stems, and dirt which can impede water and oxygen from flowing. Aerating must also be done before applying fertilizer to better loosen the soil.
So when fall arrives, do not keep your gardening tools in the shed just yet. There is still so much to be done amidst colder winds just before winter. The lawn care steps you take for your lawn this season can make or break its overall state in the coming seasons ahead.