Preparing your Pittsburgh area lawn for Fall 2022
If there's one thing we understand here in the Pittsburgh area is that fall is not only a time for enjoying the beautiful colors and crisp weather, but it is also prime time to prepare for winter, especially when it comes to our lawns. Here are some tips on how to prepare your Pittsburgh area lawn for the coming months...
Remove Weeds
Dandelion and other common lawn weeds can take over your lawn come springtime if left unchecked. Get a head start by weeding your lawn this fall to ensure your grass can bounce back unhindered by weeds when the weather thaws.
Rake Your Leaves
Once the beautiful fall foliage makes its way onto your lawn, it’s time to bust out the rake. Raking leaves or using a leaf blower to clear them away allows your grass to continue getting the sunshine and nourishment it needs to thrive. Dead leaves block out your lawn’s essential nutrients and turn it brown and mucky. Removing leaves from your lawn approximately once a week will ensure your lawn remains fresh. You can even use the leaves for composting or for creating a leaf pile to jump into. Hiring a
professional Pittsburgh area lawn clean up company can take this task off your to-do list and save you valuable time this fall.
Mow Your Grass
In the fall, grass growth slows down. This does not mean you should stop mowing your lawn; in fact, you should continue mowing your lawn well into the fall season until growth stops and the first snow arrive. You should, however, cut your grass approximately 1-2 inches shorter than you would in the summer, taking special care not to scalp your lawn. Cutting your grass shorter, but not too short, will prevent mold from growing over the winter when your grass is buried under a layer of snow.
Fertilize Your Roots
Even though your lawn will lie dormant over the upcoming winter, the roots will still grow, and in order to do so, they will need nutrients. Because the blades of grass will not have easy access to the sun during the winter months, be an
Autumn lawn care pro and plan ahead by fertilizing your grass and its roots in the fall. Be sure to opt for an organic lawn fertilizer whenever possible to ensure the health of not just your lawn, but of the surrounding wildlife and environment.
Aerate Your Soil
Fall lawn aeration describes the process of increasing airflow and oxygen to your lawn by breaking up compacted soil and increasing breathing room. Fall lawn aeration is most effectively performed with an aerator machine: either a plug aerator or a spike aerator. Plug aerators remove plugs of dirt from your lawn while spike aerators pierce the soil to break it up. A DIY aerator can be purchased from a local hardware store, or you can consult a professional trained in the ins and outs of fall lawn aeration.
