We are right in the middle of the dog-days of summer, but now’s the time to look ahead to fall and get ready. It’s the perfect time to think about next year’s lawn and how to give it a great start. We have put together a short list of things homeowners can do in August to ensure their lawn has a great fall and even better spring and summer next year.
Dethatch and Core Aeration
Take a quick inventory around your lawn and yard. Are there areas in your lawn prone to fungus, mold, or rodents? Thatch is one reason you might have these issues with your lawn.
Mow High
Keep your mower on the tallest setting through August as the heat will cause a lot of stress on your lawn. Keeping the grass a little longer during this hot month may help it stay green longer because the plants will be able to retain more moisture and shelter the soil. Recycling your grass clippings also helps fertilize your lawn and retain moisture in the soil.
Seed and Fertilize
Will you need to reseed or overseed any areas of your lawn in late August? Now is the time to source or order that seed. You’ll want to reseed in late summer or early fall so that grass seed has a chance to sprout during ideal growing conditions in fall for a great start next year. Give your lawn the best start possible next spring by fertilizing in late summer or early fall. This is especially beneficial after core aeration and dethatching is done.
Grub Control
Grubs can be one of the most difficult lawn pests to get rid of. Grubs are white or yellowish and have plump C-shaped bodies. Grubs love grass roots. Often, one of the first signs of a grub problem with be starlings and blackbirds feeding on your lawn. You may find skunks and other predators hunting the grubs near the surface of the lawn.
The best way to get rid of grubs is to have a healthy lawn. Aerate, dethatch, fertilize, and overseed to help your lawn resist and tolerate grubs.
Plan Ahead
Fall is a really great time to repair your lawn. Whatever is causing damage, fall’s lower temperatures and higher rainfall will help your lawn recover and store energy for a great spring and summer next year. Fall is an optimal time to seed or overseed, dethatch and aerate, and fertilize cool season grasses.
Now is the time to call the lawn care professionals at Green Solutions Land Care for professional advice and fall lawn care services.
