When most people think of the transition from summer to fall, they think of cooler days and the changing colors on trees. When it comes to your lawn, fall is one of the most important times to make sure you’re following proper lawn care procedures. Following these steps will ensure a beautiful lawn next spring.

How to treat your lawn in fall

To get a beautiful looking yard in the warmer months, you will want to make sure you know what to do with your lawn in the fall. Autumn is the best time of the year to improve your landscape and its health.

Aerate your lawn

Over time, your soil becomes compacted by your lawn mower, foot traffic, and the weight of the soil. When the soil becomes compacted, it is harder for water, air, and nutrients to reach the roots of the grass. Aeration relieves this compaction by pulling out small plugs of dirt from the lawn which allows the grass roots to breathe.

Pull those weeds

Weeds compete with your grass for nutrients and sunlight. By pulling weeds in fall, you’ll reduce the time spent managing them in the spring and improve your lawn's overall health.

Clear fallen leaves

Remove leaves in your yard by raking or using a bagger to avoid damage to your grass so you can enjoy a healthier lawn next spring and summer. When leaves fall on your lawn, they can block out sunlight and can prevent your lawn from making food. Leaves can also retain moisture which can lead to lawn fungi. Mulching the leaves is a great way to return essential nutrients to the soil.

Add a bagger to your Ariens zero-turn mower for quicker, easier cleanup and a lawn you'll be proud of. Browse our selection of baggers and accessories online or find your local dealer to shop. 

Seed and apply fertilizer

Fall is the best time to seed your lawn, especially after aerating. New seeds will replace damaged grass, crowd out weeds, and fill in bare spots for a thick, green yard come spring. Applying fertilizer helps your lawn recover from summer stress and strengthens it for the winter months.

Keep your grass at 2 to 2½ inches tall throughout fall

Grass does not stop growing until it frosts over in winter, so continue to cut your lawn weekly to maintain a lush and green lawn.

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Water trees and shrubs

Give trees and shrubs a deep watering after the leaves on trees drop and just before turning the outside water off for the season.

Prune your perennials

Cut most perennials back close to the ground to prevent disease and rot in early spring.

Shut off outdoor water lines

If you have an automatic irrigation system, avoid damage by having it blown out with compressed air before water freezes in the pipes.

Prepare your lawn mower for winter storage

Before storing your lawn mower away for the winter months, you will want to perform a couple of maintenance procedures. Start by emptying any unused gas and draining the oil from your machine. Next, you will want to disconnect the spark plug and remove the blades. You will also want to clean under the deck and change the air filter, as well as replacing the spark plug.

Learn more: How to Store Your Lawn Mower for Winter

Following these seasonal recommendations will help ensure the health of your yard. It is important to remember that if you want to have a great lawn come next spring and summer, it is time to start now. Your local Ariens dealer or landscape professional can offer additional ideas and suggestions to make the most of your outdoor living space.

For more lawn care tips and tricks, check out more from the Ariens blog.

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