Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice.
The Ultimate Fall Guide for Your Lawn.

The leaves are changing, the air is crisp, there’s pumpkins on the front step.
That can only mean one thing – it’s finally your lawn’s favorite season.

What are we seeing in the Connecticut/New York/New Jersey area? (Updated weekly)

The leaves have fallen, and the temperature is quickly dropping – that can only mean one thing: winter is coming. We had an extremely dry fall this year, even drier than the summer. Luckily, the cooler temps weren’t too much of a problem for healthy, established turf. However, for recently seeded lawns, you might have noticed those little guys having a hard time germinating well enough without water.

As the temperatures continue to drop, your lawn is entering dormancy—its natural way of protecting itself during the cold winter months.

Recently, we’ve been winterizing your lawns to ensure they bounce back even stronger in the spring. Check out the video below, where Chris explains the concept of winterizing your lawn and how it relates to pancakes!

Three tips for your Fall Lawn:

1. Clean up your leaves.
2. Do not mow your lawn too short.
3. Do not walk, mow, etc. on your lawn when frost is present

What Happens to Lawns During the Fall?

In the fall, several changes occur in your lawn. Here are some key points on what happens to your lawn during this season:

1. Foliage Transformation: The leaves on trees surrounding your lawn begin to change color and eventually fall, covering the grass with a colorful carpet of leaves.
2. Cooler Temperatures: As temperatures drop, grass growth slows down. This can lead to a lusher and more vibrant appearance as the grass conserves energy.
3. Decreased Sunlight: With shorter days, there is less sunlight available for photosynthesis, which can impact the grass’s growth and color.
4. Increased Moisture: Fall often brings more rainfall, which can promote fungal growth and moss in the lawn if drainage is poor.
5. Preparing for Winter: Grass starts storing energy and nutrients in the roots in preparation for the winter months when growth is minimal.
6. Weed Growth Slows: Many weeds also start to slow down or die off in the fall, making it an ideal time for weed control efforts.
7. Aeration and Overseeding: Many homeowners choose to aerate their lawns in the fall to relieve soil compaction and overseed to promote thicker, healthier grass.
8. Leaf Cleanup: Regular leaf removal is necessary to prevent smothering the grass and promoting a healthy lawn.
9. Pest Activity: Some pests and insects become more active in the fall, which can require attention if they threaten your lawn.
10. Preparation for Winterization: Before winter arrives, lawns may need fertilization and other preparations to ensure they withstand the cold months.

Overall, your lawn goes through a transition in the fall as it prepares for the winter dormancy and responds to changing environmental conditions. Let’s break some of these points apart.

LEAVES

Leaves on grass in the fall can have both positive and negative effects, depending on how they are managed:

Positive Aspects:

1. MULCH AND NUTRIENT SOURCE: Leaves that are finely chopped or mulched into smaller pieces can provide a natural source of organic matter and nutrients for your lawn. As they decompose, they release essential nutrients back into the soil, benefiting your grass.
2. WINTER INSULATION: A light layer of leaves can act as natural insulation, helping to protect the grass from extreme temperature fluctuations and frost during the winter months.

Negative Aspects:

1. SUNLIGHT BLOCKAGE: A thick layer of leaves can block sunlight from reaching the grass, inhibiting photosynthesis and potentially weakening the grass. This can lead to thinning or dead patches in your lawn.
2. MOISTURE RETENTION: Piles of leaves can trap moisture on the lawn’s surface, promoting fungal diseases like snow mold. Excessive moisture can also cause rot in grass and create an environment for pests.
3. INSECT HABITATS: Leaves can provide shelter and breeding grounds for insects and pests that might damage your lawn, like grubs or rodents.
4. SMOTHERING: Heavy, wet leaves can smother and compress the grass, leading to soil compaction and potential root damage.

To manage leaves on your grass effectively in the fall, consider these steps:

1. MULCHING: Use a mulching mower to finely chop the leaves into small pieces. The mulched leaves can be left on the lawn to decompose and provide nutrients.
2. RAKING OR BLOWING: Regularly rake or blow leaves off your lawn to prevent a thick layer from forming.
3. COMPOSTING: Collect leaves and add them to a compost pile. Once decomposed, you can use the resulting compost to enrich your garden or flower beds.
4. LEAF VACUUM: Use a leaf vacuum to collect and bag leaves efficiently.
5. LAWN DEBRIS REMOVAL: If your local waste management services offer lawn debris collection, take advantage of it.

Overall, it’s important to manage leaves on your grass to maintain a healthy and thriving lawn during the fall and beyond. But if you do receive our services please do make sure to have your leaves removed prior to your scheduled service!

Learn more about mulching your leaves with  CEO, Cristopher Brown here: https://youtu.be/id0u1Iok7_I?si=jUhso-PKXTnkyLCN

Mowing Tips:

1.     SHARPEN THE MOWER BLADES!
We can’t stress enough how important this is. Sharp blades are critical for plant health

2.     LONGER IS BETTER!
Mowing your lawn between 3 and 3 1/2 inches long has proven to be ideal for healthy grass in a home lawn.

Understand the importance of these steps a little further with Christopher Brown by clicking on the link: https://youtu.be/EqR837mg318

FROST ALERT! Time to Protect Your Lawn!

Here are a few quick tips to keep your lawn healthy during these frosty mornings:

Avoid walking on frosty grass: Foot traffic can damage frozen blades, leaving unsightly patches when the frost melts.

Keep your mower in the shed: Mowing during frosty conditions can stress your grass. It’s time to let it rest!

Remove debris: Clear leaves or objects from your lawn to prevent dead spots during frost.

Plan ahead: A winter fertilizer in the fall can help your lawn weather frost better.