Fall is the best season for some lawn care and gardening that will last you through the cold season and turn your property into a lush patch of Heaven the next spring. While the temperatures are still pleasant you need to make some arrangements here and there to improve on your lawn’s health, strength and beauty. Today, our lawn care Loveland, OH experts share their tips and tricks on early fall lawn preparations that will ensure a thriving property next year.

1. Increase the Mowing Height

As a general rule, you shouldn’t leave the grass grow too tall in late fall and early winter because tall blades encourage snow mold. But in early fall you should raise your mower’s blades height up to ½ inch. Taller and more blades allows the turf to capture as much sunlight as it can before winter comes and store nutrients for the cold season. If the turf is denser, it will also be able to fight better against early fall weeds. Some grasses like St. Augustine, Bermuda or zoysia actually fare better if left to grow a bit taller in early autumn.

2. Test the Soil

It’s been a long summer and your soil might need some specific mending before you get to the next activity. Check its pH and its nutrients levels assisted by your lawn care Loveland, OH specialists. The next step is dependent on your soil’s test results.

3. Aerate and Reseed the Lawn

Properly aerate the soil before you correct the deficiencies found at the test. You also need to reseed and repair bare spots after you finish the aeration process. Aeration is mandatory in early fall as it provides the soil with sunlight, oxygen, warmth and fertilizers to reach deep and prepare the roots’ systems for winter. Reseeding comes next. Make sure the bare spots get enough new seeds and water the areas properly so the turf gets new strong roots in no time. Keep people and pets away from the reseeded areas at least for some weeks.

4. Irrigate

Evergreens need special care in September and October to ensure they stay hydrated all winter long. If you already have a rainy fall above, watering can be tuned and tweaked according to your lawn care Loveland, OH experts’ advice.

5. Control the Weeds

Pre-emergence weed control is a must-do task in early fall, as pre-emergence herbicides will manage the spreading of henbit and dandelions. If possible, use organic weed control measures especially if you cultivate fruits and vegetables on the property.

6. Turn the Mulch and Refresh Your Mulch Deposits

Turning the mulch will add a fresh new look to your flower beds and boost the nutritive properties of the already installed layer. If you need more mulch for this particular time of year, enjoy the abundance of dried leaves you have on the property. Shred the leaves with the lawn mower and refresh the looks of flower beds and trees’ roots areas – keeping in mind that a newer mulch layer made of leaves is an excellent source of nutrients for the soil and plants.