Fall Lawn Care Myths Debunked
Fall is undoubtedly one of the best seasons to care for cool-season lawns. Fall presents the best time to care for cool-season lawns due to the mixture of cooler air and warm soil temperatures. With proper techniques and timing, this time period helps set your lawn up for success for a greener, more robust lawn in spring.
There are many common misconceptions about the proper way to care for your lawn in fall, however, that can lead to mistakes and potentially harm your lawn in the long run. Our helpful guide will debunk some of these myths and give accurate tips for maintaining a healthy lawn during this season.
Myth #1: Fall isn’t the best time to seed
Contrary to this myth, fall is actually one of the best times to plant grass seed, especially for lawns with cool-season grasses such as tall fescues, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass. The cooler air and warmer soil temperatures create the ideal conditions for successful seed germination, allowing the grass to establish strong roots before winter. Using a high-quality seed, such as Black Beauty grass seed varieties, ensures better drought tolerance, disease resistance, and deeper greening in the spring.
Myth #2: Fall is too late to control weeds
Many people believe weed control is only effective in spring and summer, but fall is an excellent time to target perennial weeds and prevent future weed growth. Applying a post-emergent weed control, such as Lawn Weed Control can help eliminate stubborn weeds, such as dandelions and clover, as they actively take in nutrients in preparation for winter.
If you plan on seeding in fall, however, we recommend either waiting 30 days to plant grass seed post-application or waiting 30 days after seeding and then applying it to your lawn.
Myth #3: Fall leaves should be left on the lawn
While leaving a few leaves on your lawn may seem harmless, allowing them to accumulate can smother your grass and leave an invitation for fungus and snow mold in the winter. Instead of letting the leaves pile up, mulch them with your mower or compost them to recycle their nutrients back into the soil. Check out our helpful guide on how to make leaf compost to turn fallen leaves into a valuable soil amendment. If you prefer not to compost, removing the leaves entirely is also a good option to maintain a healthy lawn.
Myth #4: You don’t need to mow in fall
Even though grass growth slows down in the fall, it doesn’t stop completely. Maintaining a regular mowing schedule is important to keep your grass growing healthy and prevent lawn disease.
Gradually lower the mowing height to about 2.5 inches as the season progresses and for the last mow of fall, usually between late October to early November, drop your mower to 2 inches to discourage winter disease, such as snow mold. This ensures the grass is short enough to avoid matting under snow, but long enough to continue photosynthesis and store energy for winter.
Myth #5: You don’t need to water your lawn in fall
Your lawn still needs water to stay healthy as it prepares for winter dormancy. If rainfall is scarce, continue to water your lawn deeply but infrequently. This ensures that the grass roots have enough moisture to strengthen before freezing temperatures arrive.
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The Big Takeaway
Fall is a critical time to invest in your lawn’s future health. From seeding and weed control to leaf management, these essential practices will ensure your lawn remains strong throughout the winter and returns lush and vibrant in the spring. Making sure you have all facts, instead of fiction when it comes to fall lawn care ensures you’re more than equipped with the right tools and knowledge to properly maintain your lawn.