For homeowners, fall is a time of preparation as we get ready for the winter season ahead. Sometimes our lawns get overlooked, but there are a few important lawn care to-dos you should take care of this fall, before the winter begins.
1. Rake up leaves
To rake leaves or not to rake leaves, that is the question. This has been the subject of much debate; some say that not raking leaves provides your lawn with nutrients. While this is true, there can be too much of a good thing and a thick layer of leaves can actually have a negative impact on your lawn. Leaves can block light and trap moisture, which can kill your grass. Instead, rake the leaves regularly throughout the fall to prevent killing your grass.
2. Continue mowing your lawn
It’s tempting to put lawn mowers into storage as soon as the weather begins to cool down, but it’s important to continue mowing your lawn through the fall as the grass is still growing. Make sure you’re cutting grass to the right height (about 6.25 cm to 7.5 cm or 2.5” to 3” is ideal). Grass that’s too long can encourage snow mould, whereas short grass can make it vulnerable to cold and dry weather. Once late fall arrives, you can put away your lawn mower for the season.
3. Aerate & fertilize the soil
As your grass continues to grow in September and into October, you should think about aerating the soil to prevent it from becoming too compacted. Compacted soil can block water, oxygen and nutrients from getting to the roots. Aerate the soil before you fertilize, so you can ensure the roots are receiving an adequate amount of fertilizer. Fertilizing your lawn during the fall can help it bounce back in the spring.
4. Spread seeds
Did you know that fall is the best time of year to overseed your lawn? Not only can it help to prevent weeds from taking hold, but overseeding in the fall helps you take advantage of the still-warm soil, higher moisture than the summer, cool nights and cooler days. Just be sure to choose the right type of grass seed for your lawn. At OSC Seeds, we carry a range of seed mixtures, including:
- Ultra Lawn Mixture (#7070) – Ideal for areas that don’t receive much water, either full sun or partial shade.
- Beach Cottage & Lawn Mixture (#7055) – Perfect for beach areas and cottages; thrives in poor, dry soils and tolerates heavy traffic.
- Bungalow Lawn Mixture (#7060) – Ideal for use in larger areas or on sloped land.
- Victoria Park Lawn Mixture (#7075) – General purpose lawn seed mixture producing a beautiful, hard-wearing, enduring turf.
Shop our full range of lawn seed varieties and mixtures to find the perfect fit for your lawn. And for best results, consider purchasing a seed spreader that makes seeding large areas a cinch.
Thank you for shedding light on the topic of whether to rake leaves or not. I’ve argued with my brother several times if we should clear the lawn of fallen leaves or not, and we pointed out valid points that you’ve stated in the article. We’ll follow your advice and just rake regularly to prevent a thick layer of leaves from blocking light and trapping moisture. Also, we’d consult an expert in lawn care services to ensure we’re that our lawn is well taken care of.