October 2006
End-of-season lawn-and-equipment guide
A little yard work now means less toiling come spring
LOOSE LEAF Removing leaves (here with an ergonomic rake) will prevent damage to your lawn and keep vermin from overwintering on your
property.
The warm, sunny days of summer might provide greater motivation to head outside and care for your lawn. But you can't ignore
the important work you need to do in the fall, both on your property and especially on your gear. Some basic maintenance now
can ensure a healthy lawn and tools that are ready to go next spring.
LAWN MAINTENANCE
Cut grass and remove leaves. Lawn growth can slow considerably in autumn, but it's not your free ticket out of yard work. Keeping grass mowed and leaves raked will help prevent brown spots, as well as interrelated funguses and molds. As winter approaches, cut grass as short as possible without damaging it. (See our free grass guide and zone map for optimal mowing heights depending on grass type.) Shorter grass allows leaves to blow freely in the wind and helps prevent buildup. Remove any remaining leaves, especially those that build up around the house foundation. Wait until spring to tackle this chore and you might as well send an open invitation to mice and other vermin attracted to this warm winter home. More than just a nuisance, mice can also be a health hazard to your family as they are also carriers of Lyme disease (transmitted to humans through tick bites) and hantavirus.
For leaf-clearing tips, consider a power blower. Our power blower Ratings and recommendations (available to subscribers) feature both gas and electric models, and include some blowers than handily switch over to suction mode, allowing you to vacuum the built-up leaves around foundations, decks, and bushes.
Fertilize now for a green lawn in spring. If you live in a cold-winter climate, apply specifically labeled "winter fertilizer" before the ground freezes, to allow enough time for nitrogen to permeate grass roots. Applying winter fertilizer by Columbus Day is the general rule of thumb, but we've found that it's okay to apply it up until Oct. 31.
Consider adding lime. Fall is also an optimum time to check the pH balance of your lawn. A soil test is the only way to tell (search the Web using the words "soil testing [your state]"). If a soil test shows low pH, adding limestone will help. Generally, all lawns can benefit from lime, with the exception of those in Florida, because of the state's limestone plateau. For more facts on fertilizer, see our free report on essential lawn-care tips.
LAWN MAINTENANCE
Cut grass and remove leaves. Lawn growth can slow considerably in autumn, but it's not your free ticket out of yard work. Keeping grass mowed and leaves raked will help prevent brown spots, as well as interrelated funguses and molds. As winter approaches, cut grass as short as possible without damaging it. (See our free grass guide and zone map for optimal mowing heights depending on grass type.) Shorter grass allows leaves to blow freely in the wind and helps prevent buildup. Remove any remaining leaves, especially those that build up around the house foundation. Wait until spring to tackle this chore and you might as well send an open invitation to mice and other vermin attracted to this warm winter home. More than just a nuisance, mice can also be a health hazard to your family as they are also carriers of Lyme disease (transmitted to humans through tick bites) and hantavirus.
For leaf-clearing tips, consider a power blower. Our power blower Ratings and recommendations (available to subscribers) feature both gas and electric models, and include some blowers than handily switch over to suction mode, allowing you to vacuum the built-up leaves around foundations, decks, and bushes.
Fertilize now for a green lawn in spring. If you live in a cold-winter climate, apply specifically labeled "winter fertilizer" before the ground freezes, to allow enough time for nitrogen to permeate grass roots. Applying winter fertilizer by Columbus Day is the general rule of thumb, but we've found that it's okay to apply it up until Oct. 31.
Consider adding lime. Fall is also an optimum time to check the pH balance of your lawn. A soil test is the only way to tell (search the Web using the words "soil testing [your state]"). If a soil test shows low pH, adding limestone will help. Generally, all lawns can benefit from lime, with the exception of those in Florida, because of the state's limestone plateau. For more facts on fertilizer, see our free report on essential lawn-care tips.
