The long hot days of summer are coming to an end.  Already the days seem shorter and a bit cooler than they did just before Labor Day.  The kids are back to school and everyone at work is back from their vacations.  Seems like life has returned to normal.

The fall season is the best time of the year to work on your yard and get it ready for the upcoming year.  This is especially true if you are hoping on selling next year and you need to capitalize on your homes curb appeal.

FERTALIZER

Here in the Hemet - San Jacinto Valley in Southern California we don't have to worry too much about snow and ice - let alone frost.  However, for those readers with real estate in a less arid region this is the best time of the entire year to fertilize with a good nitrogen and potassium combination fertilizer.

RESEED

If you have bare spots, then this is also a great time to reseed.  Of course you need a seed that matches your grass type.  Make sure you do a extra good job wherever you have crabgrass.  Of course, make sure that you continue to provide all the water your lawn needs. 

Early fall is a good time to reseed because the ground is still warm while the days are getting shorter.  With the shorter days, you don't lose moisture disappearing from the effects of the long hot summer days.

WEED

By early October you should use a good broadleaf herbicide over the yard.  Weeds typically germinate in the fall - so killing them now will mean less weeds next spring.

MOW and it WILL GROW

As you know, when ever you mow your lawn it looks its best.  Mowing actually stimulates grass growth.  If you can dedicate the time to mow twice a week during the fall season you'll notice a great improvement in your yard and curb appeal.  Your blades should be set to 2 ½ to 3 inches for optimum results.  Keep this up until the rainy season here in Southern CA or until your first frost.

MULCH

A common problem a lot of homeowners with leaf dropping trees is keeping the leaves off the lawn.  By allowing leaves to sit on the grass you are actually depriving your lawn of sunshine and actually suffocating it.  Most lawnmowers have a mulching function and if used properly will help control the weeds, organically.

DECORATE

If you are looking for Curb Appeal, then of course you will want to decorate.  A common solution is to use potted plants that bloom in season.  Seasonal wreaths are not only limited to Christmas any more - many homes will have 5 or 6 wreathes that are rotated across the front door, throughout the year.

Yard care is a year-round task that must be routinely addressed if you want your home to show your pride of ownership with true curb appeal.  It may be true that you can't judge a book by it's cover but I can guarantee that when anyone sees the exterior of your home, they are making judgments.