With today's cooler temps and seeing glimpses of changing leaves, it's evident that fall is almost here. In fact, it couldn't be any closer, it's tomorrow! September 22 is the first official day of autumn this year. It's time to start thinking about fall lawn care!
Following the tips below can prevent your lawn from getting strained during the coldest months ahead and help it reemerge healthy and lush in the springtime.
Keep Mowing – Grass doesn’t stop growing until it frosts over. Regular mowing helps the turf stay healthier. The ideal height for growing turf in Colorado is about 2 ½ to 3 inches.
Don’t Stop Watering – Many homeowners stop watering in early fall; however, historic rainfall data indicates that about ½-inch per week of irrigation is needed during fall to maintain healthy turf going into winter. If your lawn isn’t getting at least one inch of moisture per week, you should water it.
Rake Often – When leaves cover your lawn, they block out sunlight and prevent the grass blades from breathing and absorbing much needed moisture for the roots. Additionally, the soggy moisture the leaves hold can lead to lawn fungi.
Control Weeds – Fall is the best time of year to kill perennial weeds such as dandelions, clover, and thistle. Weed killer is most effective when applied to healthy weeds.
Get Aerated – Over the summer, your lawn has probably suffered from soil compaction and heat stress. These two problems can lead to brown or thinned grass. Aeration relieves soil compaction and allows water and fertilizer to penetrate the ground effectively to benefit roots.
Don’t Forget Fertilizer – Fertilize in the fall to keep your lawn healthier. This process will give your lawn plenty of nutrients to get it through the winter and help the grass grow stronger in the spring. If you decide to aerate in the fall, you should fertilize soon afterward to ensure that the nutrients will reach deeper into the soil.
Outdoor Watering Rules will end on October 1st.