Common Fall Lawn Care Mistakes

It’s almost that time of year again, when the leaves begin to change color and cooler weather starts to settle in. Many homeowners dread the problems that come along with the scorching heat of the summer, and are happy when the fall season finally rolls around. But remember, while the fall months may be easier on your lawn, it is still important to follow best practices for maintaining your yard to keep a lush, green lawn throughout the season. Read on to learn about common fall lawn care mistakes that you might be making.

Overwatering

While it may seem like your lawn can’t get enough water in the summer months, it is important to slow down your watering as the fall months set in.

As rainfall typically increases during the cooler months, your lawn will not require as much manual watering (about 1 inch per week to remain healthy). It is important not to overwater your lawn, as it can result in lawn diseases.

To avoid water logging your lawn, water deeply and infrequently – we recommend every 3-4 days, or as needed based on weather conditions. You can find more detailed watering instructions for all seasons here.

Cutting your lawn too short

As with the summer months, it is important not to cut your lawn too short. In the fall, your lawn will likely receive less traffic, which makes this step even more important.

When mowing your lawn, you should never cut off more than 1/3 of the grass blade. When it comes to mowing height, the appropriate length of grass depends on the type of grass in your lawn. St. Augustine grass should be cut at 3 inches tall all year round, and Bermuda and Zoyisagrass should be cut at around 2.5 inches tall to cover the soil from direct sunlight. Cutting your lawn too short will leave it at risk for weed outbreaks, so it is important to follow our recommended guidelines.

Dull mower blades

One lawn maintenance practice that often goes overlooked is the blades of the lawn mower.

It's essential that you sharpen your mower blade at least once per year, as it creates a clean cut and builds resiliency against disease. This is important all year long, but especially in the fall, as homeowners seek to avoid disease outbreaks heading into the winter months.

And there you have it: three key tips for keeping with best practices this fall season. For more information on lawn care programs, contact your local Weed Man location.

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