The air is crisp, the leaves are changing, and autumn is in full swing. Even if your yard isn’t covered in a blanket of crunchy leaves just yet, now is the perfect time to tackle a few key lawn care tasks that will keep your grass healthy and thriving come spring.
1. Rake the leaves.
That classic fall chore really does live up to the hype. As charming as a leaf-covered yard looks, it can quickly become your lawn’s worst enemy. A layer of damp leaves blocks sunlight, traps moisture, and can lead to mold, dead grass, and a soggy mess when the snow melts.
That classic fall chore really does live up to the hype. As charming as a leaf-covered yard looks, it can quickly become your lawn’s worst enemy. A layer of damp leaves blocks sunlight, traps moisture, and can lead to mold, dead grass, and a soggy mess when the snow melts.
Instead of waiting until every tree is bare, try raking a little at a time—10 or 15 minutes here and there—to make the job more manageable. Your lawn (and your back) will thank you later.
2. Keep mowing.
We get it. After a long summer, you’re ready to put the mower away. But don’t rush it just yet. Grass continues to grow until the first hard frost, and maintaining a height of around three inches helps protect it through winter.
We get it. After a long summer, you’re ready to put the mower away. But don’t rush it just yet. Grass continues to grow until the first hard frost, and maintaining a height of around three inches helps protect it through winter.
Grass that’s too long can develop snow mold, while grass that’s cut too short may struggle to survive freezing temperatures. Keep up your regular mowing routine a little longer, and watch for news of that first frost before calling it quits.
3. Plant bulbs and spread seed.
Late fall is the ideal time to plant spring bulbs like tulips and daffodils before the ground freezes but after the temperatures have cooled. Follow the instructions for your chosen bulbs, and come spring, you’ll be rewarded with color and life just when you need it most.
Late fall is the ideal time to plant spring bulbs like tulips and daffodils before the ground freezes but after the temperatures have cooled. Follow the instructions for your chosen bulbs, and come spring, you’ll be rewarded with color and life just when you need it most.
It’s also a great time to overseed your lawn. Adding fresh seed now helps thicken grass growth and strengthen roots for a lush, resilient lawn next year.
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