Summer is gone, and so are 90+ degree days, the need for daily watering, and a host of other ongoing lawn and garden chores. But does that mean now that it’s fall your outdoor responsibilities are over?

In a word … No.

In fact, the fall is one of the most critical times of the year for your lawn, plants, and trees. Why?

Because you set the stage for a healthier yard, come next spring.

So for those of you who think that since Autumn has arrived you can kick back and relax, read this list of 6 tasks you should complete before the grip of Ol’ Man Winter sets in.

Task #1: Fertilize


Your lawn is about to go dormant. Now is the time to feed your grass with needed phosphorous to grow deep roots before winter sets in. This way you help strengthen your lawn for the coming cold months and also ensure that your lawn will green-up quicker in the spring while becoming more drought and disease resistant.

Of course, fertilizer comes in a variety of mixtures so be sure to buy the right type for a fall application.

Task #2: Aerate


Aeration is necessary if you want to alleviate soil compaction thereby helping your grass roots grow deeper producing a stronger, more hearty lawn. Aeration is simply the process of perforating the ground with small holes to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate deep into the soil. This can be done manually or with the help of a machine.


Task #3: Apply cool weather grass seed


Ok, many people get this wrong, but summer and even spring are not the best times of year to apply grass seed. No, the fall is.

Take full advantage of the moderate temperatures by applying a cool weather grass seed that will bring forth an excellent fresh crop of new grass that can grow without the increased threats of heat stress, insect damage, and/or disease.


Task #4: Dethatch the lawn


After months of mowing your grass every week, it’s safe to assume that you probably built up a little thatch.

What is thatch you ask?

Thatch is the layer of organic waste that forms between the leaf blades and roots of grass. The primary causes of thatch build up are overwatering, too much fertilization, and mowing too high.

Thatch can be removed easily using a rake or power equipment in the case of larger lawns.


Task #5: Clean out and mulch your beds


Be sure to remove dead plant matter from your gardens and flower beds. If you don’t, you unknowingly invite plant diseases the next growing season.

Also, when you are done cleaning your beds, apply some mulch to help with the insulation of your perennial plants.


Task #6: Winterize your trees


Don’t let the term “winterize” get you too worried. Winterizing trees are very simple and usually, just involves watering them properly in the fall. This reduces the risk of winter damage that often stems from a tree’s inability to draw water from the frozen earth.

Trust us, while it may be tempting to sit back and relax now that the weather has gotten a little bit cooler, fall is the time to get outside and prep your lawns and flower beds for a better and bolder spring growth.

Of course, this all requires a bit of work and things like fertilization need a fair amount of research and care. Do yourself a favor and call the experts at New Life for a no obligation winterization quote. You’ll most likely be pleasantly surprised at the affordability of our services and that way you’ll know for sure that everything gets done right.