Most people don’t realize it, but fall is actually the most important time of year for lawn care. Although the grass is growing slower, the roots are actively storing up moisture and nutrients as they prepare for winter. Follow these fall lawn care tips from Muth &  Company, your Columbus roofer, if you want to have a show-stopping lawn next spring and summer.
Continue Watering and Mowing
Your lawn needs adequate moisture to maintain healthy roots as it goes into the winter, more than what it gets from morning dew and occasional rain showers. Keep a close eye on it and water as needed throughout the fall. Continue mowing as well, but be careful you’re cutting to the right height; too long and grass can mat and form thatch, too short and the root system could be damaged. Ideally, 2½ to 3 inches should be your goal.
Clear the Lawn of Leaves
Colorful autumn leaves may look beautiful when they’re on the trees, but as soon as they hit the ground they become a nuisance. When leaves become wet from rain and dew, they form a thick, slimy mess that suffocates your grass and provides the perfect conditions for fungus to grow. Instead, mow over small amounts of leaves and leave them behind as mulch. Rake up and dispose of larger numbers.
Aerate and Fertilize
Soil that has become hard and compacted is not going to get much of the moisture and nutrients that it needs. A core aerator takes care of this issue by punching through the grass and removing small plugs of grass and soil, making conduits through which oxygen, water and nutrients can reach the soil. It makes sense that the best time to fertilize your lawn is right after it’s been aerated, because the fertilizer can then to go straight to the roots, giving them the strength and energy they need to make it through the winter and come back strong in the spring.
Apply Weed Killer
Just as your grass is absorbing energy and nutrients at this time of year, so too are the weeds lurking beneath the surface. Lay down a herbicide now, and the weeds will soak it up, releasing you from the worry of dandelions and other pesky weeds popping up come spring.
If your lawn is ready for winter but your roof needs some work, give Muth & Company a call at (614) 682-3060 for roof repair in Gahanna, OH. We will help get your roof ready for winter.