12 October 2020
The difference between a so-so stretch of grass and a truly beautiful lawn both now and next spring is two fall feedings. Fertilizing the lawn in early fall helps it begin rebuilding grassroots that were damaged during the hot, dry summer. Since fall is also a great time to kill several types of lawn weeds, including clover and dandelion, you can do two jobs at once by applying a weed and feed like Scotts® Turf Builder® WinterGuard® Fall Weed & Feed3.
Follow-up with a second fall feeding 6-8 weeks after your first fall fertilization. Scotts® Turf Builder® WinterGuard® Fall Lawn Food gives your fall grass the nutrients it needs to store up energy for a healthy spring push, plus helps to break down mulched-up leaves.
When kids (including the grownup ones) play on a lawn that's still hurting from the summer heat and drought, it can get damaged. If you have bare spots in the lawn, use a product specifically formulated for repairing bare spots like Scotts® EZ Seed® Patch & Repair which is guaranteed to grow grass anywhere (when you give proper care). To thicken up a thin lawn, use Scotts® Turf Builder® Thick’R Lawn™, which is a 3-in-1 product uniquely formulated to help turn weak, thin grass into a thicker, greener lawn. With any seeding project, keep the soil surface moist. Try to make it out there for a light watering once a day or as needed until the seedlings have reached a mowing height.
Don't let tree leaves smother your grass. Contrary to popular belief, fallen tree leaves will not insulate your lawn during winter. In fact, they can be a total buzzkill by blocking vital sunlight and thinning your grass. So, ditch the rake and mulch your leaves to dime-sized pieces with your lawnmower before applying one of your fall feedings to help the soil microbes break down the leaves.
While you're hanging holiday lights and pretending you don't have a fear of heights, check the gutters and give them a good cleaning while you've already got the ladder out. You definitely don't want clogged gutters when winter storms roll in.
In late fall, drop your mower down and cut your lawn 1 to 2 inches shorter than you have the rest of the growing season. Continue to mow shorter until your grass stops growing in early winter, when both you and your lawn head into hibernation mode. For that final mowing, go even a little bit lower.
It's probably too cold now to sip lemonade on the patio, so before you settle in for your winter nap on the couch, put the outdoor cushions away and haul the grill and furniture into storage until next year.
They've served you well all season, but now that you've completed your fall yard maintenance, it's time to put the tools away. You'll keep them from rusting if you clean them up before you hang them up. Also, if you're done mowing for the year, don't forget to do your winter lawn mower maintenance before storing.
Contact Monnick Supply in Framingham and Marlborough, MA for more information.
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