The warmer temperatures are giving in to the quick approach of cooler months. Everyone is getting ready for the fall season. And as we ourselves start preferring hot espressos over chilling smoothies, and long coats instead of shorts–we must remember that our outdoor spaces also need preparation.

After all, healthy lawns next spring will actually be the result of months-old care routines. So now’s the perfect time for you to shift your gardening efforts from summer to fall yard maintenance. So here are our 8 essential fall lawn care tips, each one explained to help you achieve the best results, all without much hassle or effort.
Let’s begin.

1. Clean Up The Leaves Once A Week

No one likes debris ruining their otherwise gorgeous landscape. And while, yes, fallen leaves may seem the perfect aesthetic for the season, they can actually smother your lawn when left unchecked, especially in North Carolina, where deciduous trees are abundant.

We suggest weekly leaf cleanups to prevent mold, pests, and yard suffocation. Rake leaves regularly, or even better, invest in a leaf blower to make the job easier! You can also mulch the leaves for your garden beds and trees, as they will add organic material to the ground and help them grow.

2. Fertilize Depending On The Grass Type

Our lovely North Carolina weather supports both warm-season and cool-season lawns, each requiring different fertilization schedules. If you’re hoping for a lush lawn when spring comes, it’s fundamental that you adhere to the fertilization schedules of each type.

So, for fall lawn maintenance, pay special attention to the timing. Bermudagrass and Zoysia require fertilizer in early fall to strengthen root systems before dormancy. Cool-season grasses, like fescue and perennial ryegrass, need fertilizer in late fall to encourage growth through winter. A soil test can help you choose the best fertilizer for the type of grass your garden boasts and your goals.

3. Remove All Weeds In Your Lawn

Weed control is essential every single season of the year. But when it comes to fall yard maintenance, this is the ideal time to tackle them before they go to seed and spread. Protect your turf from dandelions and clover, as they quickly overtake a yard if they are untreated.

You can use the traditional method of hand-pulling just fine, or apply a pre-emergent herbicide that can prevent new weeds from sprouting. Remember that weeding not only helps your grass grow stronger, but will also make your lawn much more resistant to weed invasion next spring.

4. Adjust Your Mowing Schedule

Adopting a fall lawn care routine means adjusting your mowing schedule. As temperatures drop, grass growth slows down. However, this doesn’t imply that you shouldn’t mow at all. In fact, you must continue depending on your lawn needs, but instead, modify the lawn mower’s settings.

In that sense, cool-season grasses should be kept at 2.5-3 inches, while warm-season grasses require a shorter cut. Regular mowing grass in the fall prevents your lawn from becoming dull and vulnerable to diseases.

5. Aerate Your Garden

An essential step in fall yard maintenance is lawn aeration, especially for North Carolina’s clay-heavy soils. This is the most ideal time for the task instead of other seasons, as it prepares your landscape for the cooler months ahead.

So, by aerating your lawn, you allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the soil, promoting stronger root growth. Use a core aerator to remove small plugs of soil, creating channels for vital nutrients to reach the grassroots.

6. Overseed Cool-Season Grass

Another great lawn treatment in fall is overseeding if you have cool-season grass. Fall seeding will give your yard a fuller, seamless appearance when spring arrives! And since the cooler temperatures and moist soil create ideal conditions for seed germination, the best time to start is now. Just make sure to choose high-quality grass seed suited to North Carolina’s climate, and follow up with regular watering to encourage new growth.

7. Prepare Your Irrigation System For Winter

Fall yard treatment is not complete without considering watering. But in this case, we mean you need to prepare your irrigation system before winter sets in. The freezing temperatures can damage your investment, so drain and blow out any excess water, especially from your sprinkler system. You can also insulate any exposed pipes and valves. Taking these precautions will help avoid costly repairs and ensure your irrigation system is ready to go when warmer weather returns.

8. Store Your Equipment For Spring

The last autumn lawn care tip is to never forget to clean and store your yard maintenance equipment properly. We recommend draining fuel from mowers and other gas-powered tools, cleaning off dirt and debris, and sharpening blades.

Also, remember to store everything in a dry, secure place to prevent rust and damage over the winter months. A little extra care once the fall months come to an end will extend the life of your equipment and ensure it’s ready for use in the spring.

Go Beyond Our Fall Lawn Care Tips! Hire Our Landscapers Today!

Fall yard maintenance requires a little more attention than expected, but the results in spring are surely worth all the work. Make sure to follow our advice and modify it as needed, to keep your landscape in top condition through autumn and beyond.

Or, you can let Martinez Landscaping and Hardscape LLC handle the lawn care for you, while you enjoy the season with your loved ones! We have more than 15 years of ensuring landscapes thrive in every single season, and our team of experts is fully trained to customize a program catered to your needs and preferences! Contact us today to schedule a consultation, and receive a free estimate!