I have just finished up the fall weed and feed treatments, and am starting winterizer applications. I felt it was a good time to touch on some thoughts with this end of the 2020 lawn season update.
Dry Fall Weather
As I am writing this it is still pretty darn dry out there. Dry falls are not good because this is when the grass plants work on developing their root systems, repairing themselves, and filling in some of those spots left from the hot and dry weather of summer. Lack of rain will slow this down; but fortunately, the forecast predicts that we will be getting into a wet weather pattern soon. I am hoping that this is the case, and that our lawns will have a good fall recovery period!
Leaf Mulching & Mowing
Two other bits of advice I’d like to share with you as we think about putting our lawns to bed: what to do with your leaves, and the final mowing of the season.
I know how much we all love to rake and blow our leaves and burn them or put them in bags. It certainly makes your lawn look neater! However, I would like to make things easier on you and help you take advantage of a free fertilization opportunity. Mulch those leaves up with your mower and leave them! Provided that you don’t have ankle-deep leaves across your entire lawn, this is an excellent way to put a gift of nature to use for the health of your lawn.
The benefit of leaving leaves, of course, is returning organic matter to your soil. Mulching your leaves by mowing speeds up decomposition and prevents clumps of leaves from killing the grass. This will help build healthier soil while making leaf clean up a little easier.
I typically run across my yard 2-3 times a week through the leaf season. I have 6 large trees on less than a half acre, so I get an abundance of leaves, and this works quite well for my lawn.
Finally, for your last leaf-mulching or cut of the season, lower your deck one or two clicks. Mow lower on the final cut to prevent snow mold disease, which is caused by snow sitting on tall grass for an extended period of time. This will help prevent brown areas in the spring.
As we reach the end of the 2020 lawn season this fall, mulch your leaves and mow low for the final cut of the year.
Your lawn will thank you for it!