It’s Not Too Late to Plan Your Lawn Care in Pittsford and Penfield, NY

No matter what time of year it is, it’s not too late to plan your lawn care if in the Pittsford and Penfield, NY, areas. It’s an ongoing need, whether we’re in the midst of the warm-weather season or it’s time to prepare the lawn for the winter. Here are five tips to make sure you have a beautiful lawn after the harsh weather passes.

Removal of Weeds

While it may seem like an obvious task, weeds can be pervasive depending on several factors. So taking the time to properly remove weeds is necessary to prevent them from coming back.

One of the most popular grasses in the Pittsford and Penfield, NY, areas are cool season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescue, and tall fescue. While these grasses are hardy and great for the New York climate, they can still be overcome by weeds if good lawn care practices are not followed.

Factors that impact weed growth include:

• Compaction of your soil

• Height of your grass

• Soil pH and fertility

• Seeding

• Drainage

The types of weeds you have can tell you a lot about the soil conditions of your lawn. So make note of the types of weeds growing in your lawn, and use that to determine if, perhaps, you need to improve drainage, mow shorter, or check the pH balance.

Aerating the Soil

Aeration helps decompress the soil by putting very small holes in the soil to allow oxygen to enter the lawn. It’s helpful to prevent puddles in the yard, and it helps promote healthy growth of grass. Aeration loosens up the soil so that your roots will have more oxygen, nutrients, and water.

Tackling Damaged Sections

Mid- to late-fall are great times to plant seeds. Slice seeding is one strategy for problem areas where you may be noticing thin or sporadic spots of grass. Fertilizer could also be used to mix with the seeds— or compost—to help promote growth. A soil test is important so that your landscaper knows what types of fertilizer to use, and how much, for your unique landscape.

When the weather is cooler, the soil is still warm after absorbing heat through the summer months. That can make fall a great time to plant seeds.

Disposal of Leaves

Fallen leaves might look pretty on a Thanksgiving postcard, but they could take a toll on your lawn. A thick layer of fallen leaves will prevent your grass and soil from getting oxygen and sunlight, two crucial elements for growth. And even though your grass might not be actively growing, the roots still are.

Interestingly, raked leaves could be used to create a compost of organic matter. If you choose, repurposing your raked leaves will give you a compost rich in nutrients that can be used elsewhere.

Feeding and Watering

Fertilizer provides your lawn with extra nutrients that are converted into carbohydrates that improve your root system. Remember: Your grass blades are not growing but the fall and winter months are great for root growth and expansion. Watering the lawn before the first freeze can give your roots the nutrients they need to continue to grow and become stronger.