FALL Is FINALLY Here!

Taking care of your lawn and landscape in the Fall is crucial for ensuring a healthy yard throughout the colder months and a strong recovery in the spring. In the Fall, your lawn and landscape undergo several natural changes as plants and grass prepare for the colder winter months. Grass growth slows down, and leaves drop in preparation for the winter months ahead,  plants and perennials enter dormancy. There are several changes that happen as nature runs its course during the change of seasons.  Fall is a transitional period where your lawn and landscape are winding down their growth cycles, and taking care of them ensures they’re well-prepared to survive the winter and thrive in spring. I have put together some helpful information and tips to help as you prepare to maintain your yard and make sure everything is in order for the upcoming winter months. If you prefer professional lawn and yard care, Lawn and Tree Tech is happy to help. Just give me a call at 432-934-1104 and we can go over what you have and talk about ways we can help keep your yard healthy and lush throughout the seasons.

Grass Growth Slows Down 

• Cool-Season Grasses: If you have cool-season grasses like fescue, ryegrass, or bluegrass, fall is actually a period of active growth, although it’s slower than in spring or summer. These grasses thrive in cooler temperatures and will green up and thicken during this time. Assess the overall health of your lawn. Look for bare spots, signs of disease, or areas that may need special attention. Now is the time to fix anything that needs attention as we head into the hottest time of the year.  A careful inspection will help make sure nothing is missed.  

• Warm-Season Grasses: As the temperature drops, warm-season grasses like Bermuda, Zoysia, and St. Augustine begin to go dormant. Their growth slows considerably, and they may even turn brown as they prepare for winter.

Leaf Drop: Deciduous trees and shrubs shed their leaves in preparation for winter. The falling leaves can cover your lawn, potentially blocking sunlight and trapping moisture, which can harm the grass if not cleaned regularly.

Nutrient Absorption: Grassroots focus on absorbing nutrients in the fall. Even though the visible growth slows, the roots are actively growing and storing nutrients to help the lawn survive winter and come back strong in the spring. 

Plants and Perennials Enter Dormancy:  Many perennials, trees, and shrubs begin entering dormancy. This process helps them conserve energy and protect themselves during freezing temperatures. Leaves change color as chlorophyll breaks down, and non-evergreen plants stop photosynthesis and growth until warmer temperatures return. 

Weed Growth Persists:  Weeds such as dandelions, clover, and chickweed are still active in the fall. While grass and other plants are preparing for dormancy, some weeds continue to grow and compete for nutrients and space in your lawn. 

Soil Compaction and Thatch Buildup: Throughout the growing season, foot traffic and mowing can cause soil compaction, reducing the amount of air, water, and nutrients that can reach the grass roots. Thatch, a layer of organic debris, also tends to build up during this time. 

Cooler Temperatures and Increased Moisture: The temperature drops, and there’s typically more rain in the fall. The cooler weather and increased moisture can promote fungal diseases if the lawn is too wet or shaded. Excess moisture can also lead to mold or rot in plant roots if proper drainage is lacking. 

Trees and Shrubs Harden for Winter: Trees and shrubs begin to develop a thicker outer bark and reduce sap flow as they prepare for winter. This helps protect them from frost damage and desiccation (drying out). 

Fall Flowering Plants Bloom:  If you want a fall landscape, nows the perfect time to consider falling blooming plants.  Some plants, such as chrysanthemums, asters, and ornamental grasses, bloom in the fall. They add color to the landscape during the otherwise subdued season and thrive in the cooler temperatures. 

Animal and Insect Activity Changes:  As the temperature cools, you may notice more animals like squirrels collecting food and insects like grubs becoming more active under the soil. Grubs, in particular, can damage lawns as they feed on the grass roots before burrowing deeper for the winter.

Summary of changes

• Lawn Growth: Cool-season grasses flourish, while warm-season grasses slow down or go dormant.
• Leaf Drop: Deciduous trees and shrubs shed their leaves, adding organic matter to the ground.
• Root Development: Grass roots absorb and store nutrients for winter survival.
• Dormancy: Plants and perennials slow their growth or stop entirely as they prepare for winter.
• Weed Growth: Weeds remain active, especially perennial weeds that can persist into the colder months.
• Soil Moisture: Cooler temperatures and increased rain may promote soil compaction and fungal diseases if water is not managed properly.

We're here to help!  Call us and we can walk your property and make suggestions on what is happening and what you can do to keep in line with nature as the season changes. 

Rake and Remove Leaves 

• Why: Leaves can smother your grass, preventing it from getting sunlight and air.
• How: Regularly rake or use a leaf blower to keep the lawn clear of leaves. Consider composting the leaves to reuse in your garden.

Mow the Lawn

• Why: Grass continues to grow in the fall, and keeping it at the right length ensures it remains healthy.
• How: Set your mower to a height of about 2-3 inches. Don’t cut it too short as this can stress the grass, but don’t let it get too long either, as long grass invites pests.

Fertilize

• Why: Fall fertilization strengthens the grassroots, helping the lawn survive winter and come back strong in spring.
• How: Apply a fall-specific fertilizer, one with a high phosphorus content, to promote root growth. 

Overseed bare spots

• Why: Over time, lawns develop thin or bare spots. Overseeding fills these in and thickens your grass.
• How: Spread grass seed over the lawn after aerating, focusing on thin areas. Water daily until seeds germinate.

Water Regularly

• Why: Even though temperatures are cooler, your lawn still needs water to thrive.
• How: Ensure the lawn gets about 1 inch of water per week through rainfall or irrigation. Water deeply but infrequently.

Control Weeds

• Why: Weeds, like dandelions, are still active in the fall, and controlling them now prevents them from sprouting in spring.
• How: Use a post-emergent herbicide to kill existing weeds. You can also spot-treat areas of weed growth.

Prune Trees and Shrubs

• Why: Pruning helps remove dead or diseased branches and encourages healthy growth in the spring.
• How: Trim trees and shrubs to maintain shape, remove damaged branches, and improve air circulation. Avoid heavy pruning as this can stress plants before winter.

Mulch Garden Beds

• Why: Mulch insulates plant roots and helps retain moisture.
• How: Spread a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around trees, shrubs, and flower beds. Avoid piling mulch directly against plant stems to prevent rot.

Prepare Perennials for the coming Winter

• Why: Some perennials need extra protection to survive the winter.
• How: Cut back dead foliage, but leave 2-3 inches to protect the plant crown. For more delicate plants, consider adding a layer of mulch or covering them with burlap to insulate against frost.

Clean and Store Lawn Tools

• Why: Proper maintenance prolongs the life of your tools and ensures they’re ready for spring.
• How: Clean, sharpen, and oil your lawnmower blades, shovels, and other tools. Store them in a dry area to prevent rust.

Plant Fall Bulbs

• Why: Fall is the time to plant spring-flowering bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and crocuses.
• How: Dig holes 2-3 times deeper than the height of the bulb and plant in well-draining soil. Cover with mulch for added protection.

At Lawn and Tree Tech, we are working year-round to prepare for the next season. We stay one step ahead for our customers to ensure they have a beautiful year-round landscape. Maintaining a beautiful outdoor space is a year-round multi-stepped process. Contact me today for a free consultation! (432) 934-1104