Fall Lawn and Landscaping Priorities

It's THE Best Time To Seed

It’s not as hot.  The cooler temperatures allow more grass seed to germinate while the majority of broadleaf weeds prefer warmer temperatures.  This creates a head start for the grass in the spring by starting growth and choking out the weeds. In fact, grass will germinate to as low as 48°, although it does best when temperatures are in the 60’s and 70’s. Since weeds generally germinate at a higher temperature in dryer conditions, your lawn will have the early advantage.  Additionally, grass seed will not dry out as easily because fall is usually moister because of slower evaporation, further helping the seed germinate. The result is  lower utility and higher germination levels.Autumn rain storms tend not to be as severe as in the summer months and these gentler rains won’t wash seed away.

Good Time To Sod

Sod, to survive, must be kept moist. In the summer, hot, dry weather provides a difficult scenario; temperatures dry out the soil, so watering is a must at least once, but often twice a day. If the watering isn’t kept up, the sod may not survive,  and if it doesn’t, you may be battling weeds. 

Excellent Time To Plant Trees & Leafy Shrubs Or Transplant Shrubs & Small Trees

Nature is on your side. Because these plants are going dormant for the winter, they won’t become stressed because of hot temperatures and lack of water which is often the biggest challenge new plantings have.  Assuming you buy your tree at a nursery, the root system in the pots are more  established than in spring or summer potted plants. It is a stronger root system in a more favorable environment.

Excellent Time To Create Or Improve Planting Beds

Now is a great time to augment your soil with compost since the compost will have more time to break down without “burning” the annuals and perennials.  Fresh compost also requires more fertilizer because as the compost breaks down it robs nitrogen from the soil.  It’s also a good time to reorganize your existing perennial beds by transplanting individual plants or splitting them.  Sod is easier to remove in the fall because it is usually moist and cuts easier than dry compacted sod (usually found in the summer).

Scheduling Landscape Work Is Timelier

Most landscapers are booked in the spring and early summer.  Fall contracts can routinely be started weeks earlier than spring & summer. Patios, retaining walls, walk path stones and grading are also great fall projects because the combination of contractor availability and favorable conditions for seeding, planting and bed preparation work to your advantage.

c.  This gives you time to pre-seed for an early start on spring, allowing you to enjoy your patios, walkways and retaining walls sooner.

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