Did you know that the health and beauty of next spring’s lawn largely depends on how well you take care of it this fall?
It’s true. While most homeowners think of spring as prime time for lawn care, fall is actually make-it or break-it time. So whether you want your lawn to be a lush oasis for rest and relaxation or a hardy place to play and exercise, follow these four basic steps.
Aerate
Aerating your lawn in the fall allows it to breathe and provides room for new grass to spread without having to compete with spring weeds. If your lawn is used heavily for play or entertaining, plan to aerate twice a year – spring and fall. If it’s largely for show, once a year is fine.
Seed
Turf roots grow vigorously in the cooler months, making fall the ideal time to seed your lawn (when the soil temperature is about 55 degrees). But if you want your seed to grow past the first frost, invest in a good seed. And don’t forget to water your new seed daily for 10 to 20 days until it germinates.
Fertilize
Fertilizing your lawn before the first frost hits helps ensure that your grass survives the harsh winter ahead, and encourages it to grow green and lush come spring. Choose a nitrogen-rich fertilizer that promotes shoot and root growth.
Mulch
When shredded, fall leaves protect grass from winter wind and provide nutrient-rich organic matter that feeds grass roots. So instead of raking them and bagging them up, add a mulching blade to your lawn mower and run over them a few times once the leaves start to fall.
Here’s another fall season tip: Contact GBT Heating & Cooling today for a complete heating system tune-up and inspection. Your system will run better, help reduce your utility costs, and provide more reliable indoor comfort, all winter long.
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