1.  Aerate the soil

Aerating the soil will allow oxygen, water, fertilizer to easily reach the roots.  Generally you can rent a gas powered aerator for under 100.00, but if you have a large lawn (over 4 acres) it may be better to hire a landscaper.   Visit www.riverhilllandscaping.com to learn more.

2.   Keep Moving

You want to make sure to keep the grass healthy.  Keep watering and mowing until the end of the season.  When you are nearing the end (last 2 cuttings) lower your blade for a close cut.  This will allow the sunlight to reach the crown of the grass.  Not to mention there will be less leaf to turn brown.  Just remember not to lower the blade too much too fast.  If you cut off more that 1/3 of the grass blade during one cutting it can be damaging.  

3.  Control the weeds

If weeds have taken over then now is the time to get rid of them.  In the fall weeds, like most plants, are drinking up anything that comes their way, including weed-killers.  Spray something now and you wont have to worry about these weeds popping up in the Spring.  

4.  Fill in the bald spots

Fall is the perfect time of year to fix any dead spots in the yard.  The best way to get rid of these is with an all-in-one lawn-repair mixture.  This ready to use mixture includes grass seed, a special quick starter fertilizer, and organic mulch.   Rake loose the soil around the spot, then place the mixture on top.  Slightly pack down and water every other day for two weeks.   

5.  Fertilize for future growth

If there is ever a time to fertilize your yard, it is fall.  Reason why is because although grass blades grow slower during this time, the roots continue growing at their normal pace.  A healthy dose of fertilizer allows the roots to grow deeper giving it additional nutrients for a healthy start in the spring.

6.  Rake the leaves

Don't wait until all the leaves have fallen to start.  If left too long the leaves could get wet and stick together.  Once stuck together, the leaves will create a thick mat over the grass and eventually suffocate the grass and breed fungal diseases.

7.  Protect evergreens against harsh conditions

Cold, dry, windy winters can do a number on outdoor plants, including evergreens.  Avoid winter burn by applying a protective coat to each of your plants.  This can include spraying them with Wilt Proof, a product that creates a seal around the foliage allowing the plant to retain more moisture in harsh conditions.  See a video from our store on how to apply this product here.  

Preparing Your Yard for fall

With Fall approaching and the holidays just around the corner, your lawn is probably the last thing on your mind.  But with the cooler temperatures and occasional rainfall it is the perfect time to prepare your lawn for spring.  Here are 6 great tips to prepare your lawn for fall.