Preparing Your Lawn for Fall: Essential Services for a Healthy Spring

Posted: 7/31/24

As the leaves begin to fall and the temperatures start to drop, it's crucial to prepare your lawn for the coming winter months, especially in Wisconsin where the weather can be unpredictable. For residents of West Madison and Middleton, one of the most important steps in fall lawn care is leaf removal. Leaving leaves on your lawn can smother the grass, creating an environment conducive to pests and diseases. Regularly removing leaves helps maintain airflow and sunlight penetration, which are vital for a healthy lawn. Using a rake, leaf blower, or mulching mower can make this task more manageable and ensure that your lawn gets the light and air it needs to thrive.

In addition to leaf removal, mowing is another key task that can make a significant difference in the appearance and health of your lawn. As the temperatures drop, continue to mow your lawn, but gradually lower the mower height to prevent the grass from matting under the snow. Keeping your grass at the proper height (around 2-2.5 inches) helps reduce the risk of fungal diseases and ensures that your lawn is well-prepared for the winter. Be sure to keep your mower blades sharp and avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass height at a time to prevent stress on the lawn.

Finally, don't forget the importance of weed control. Wisconsin's fall weather, with its frequent rain and early frosts, can create conditions that promote weed growth. Applying pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides in the fall can prevent weeds from taking over in the spring. Fall is an ideal time to address weeds because they are actively absorbing nutrients in preparation for winter, making them more susceptible to herbicides. By addressing weeds now, you can reduce their presence in the spring and ensure a healthier, more robust lawn.