The grass growth has slowed and the leaves are starting to turn, but there are still a few tasks on our list. If you focus on them now, you'll save time and effort in the spring. Whether you’re new to lawn care or looking for some fresh tips, these weekend projects will help keep your lawn and landscape in great shape.
Scarify, Aerate, and Fertilize Your Lawn
Removing dead grass and the thatch layer helps keep a lush lawn healthy. Thatch can build up over time, creating a barrier that blocks water, nutrients, and air from reaching the soil. "Start by using a rake or electric scarifier to clear the thatch," shares Clint DeBoer, Editor-in-Chief and Home Improvement Expert at Pro Tool Reviews. "A manual rake works well for smaller lawns, while an electric scarifier is better suited for larger areas."
Once you’ve scarified the grass, the next step is to aerate. By poking small holes in the grass and soil, lawn aeration can improve air circulation and give the roots space to grow deeper. If you have a smaller lawn, you can use a garden fork, but for larger spaces, consider renting an aerator. A hollow tine aerator (or core aerator) might seem like overkill since it removes whole plugs of soil, but it'll offer the grass plant roots more moisture, oxygen, and essential nutrients, which is great for soil compaction.
After scarifying and aerating your entire lawn, consider overseeding with new grass seed, or apply a fall-specific lawn fertilizer. The application of lawn fertilizer before the winter season strengthens the roots and gives your lawn a better chance of surviving the winter months in good condition.
Prune Dead or Diseased Plants
Fall is an excellent time to trim back dead or diseased branches from trees, shrubs, and perennials. Pruning helps the plants focus energy on healthy growth, promote future leaf growth, and also reduce the risk of fungal diseases spreading. "Use sharp pruning shears to trim away dead or diseased branches, making clean cuts to avoid harming the plants," reminds DeBoer. After pruning, remember to clear away any debris, as leaving it around the plants can promote the spread of disease.
Clean and Store Gardening Tools
Properly cleaning and storing your gardening tools now will make your spring gardening that much easier. DeBoer emphasizes the importance of deep cleaning before you put these tools away, reminding users to inspect tools for any necessary repairs, and then wipe them down with a degreaser and steel wool. This includes chainsaws, lawn mower blades, leaf blowers, and other lawn equipment. "For power tools, also ensure they are stored off the ground in a dry area like a shed or garage," he notes. That helps prevent rust and moisture damage during the winter. While you're at it, don't forget to winterize your lawn mower, turn off and disconnect your garden hose, and clear leaves off your roof.
Prepare Vulnerable Plants for Frost
As cooler temperatures arrive, some of your more tender or half-hardy plants may need extra protection to survive. In areas where frost is common, bring vulnerable plants indoors or to a sheltered location. "In the South, where frost is a rarity, we cover sensitive outdoor plants with sheets on the rare occasion when temperatures hit the freezing point overnight," notes DeBoer. In areas prone to frost, it's wise to bring in potted plants when the overnight temperatures dip below 55 degrees.
You can also help to protect plants that remain outdoors by increasing mulch around their roots or using garden cloches to insulate them from the cold.
Clear Debris and Tidy Up
Debris like fallen leaves and dead plants can create a breeding ground for pests (like lawn grubs) and diseases (like mildew) over the winter. It can also worsen fall allergies. Cleaning up your garden is one of the most important tasks in preparing for the colder months. By clearing out old leaves, twigs, and other debris, you’ll help prevent diseases from taking hold and allow sunlight to better reach your plants and grass. Make sure to also remove any remaining fruits or vegetables from your garden beds, as they can rot and attract pests.
Adjust Watering Practices
As the weather conditions cool, your lawn and plants won’t need regular watering. Begin to scale back your watering schedule in October, especially if you live in a region where rainfall picks up in the fall. For homeowners in dry regions, it's still important to water plants and lawns, but a light watering is usually enough. Make sure to keep an eye on your local weather patterns to be sure you’re giving your garden the right amount of hydration at the ideal times during the season.
Mulch Garden Beds
One of the best ways to protect your plants during cool weather is by applying a fresh layer of mulch to your garden beds. Mulch helps retain moisture, suppresses weeds, and insulates plant roots from cold temperatures. Apply mulch around trees, shrubs, and perennials, but be careful if you pile it it too close to the stems... it can promote rotting. If you live in a colder region, applying mulch before the first frost is a great goal. In warmer regions, it can still help conserve moisture and reduce weed growth throughout the winter.
