The 3 Best Things You Can Do For Your Lawn This Fall

A carefuly kept front yard showing summer colours

 

Want to improve your lawn this fall? There are three things you can do to vastly improve the quality of your lawn and none of them involve pesticides. They do, however, involve a little sweat equity.

Fall is the best time to work on your lawn. The work is an investment in the future. The work you do now will seed (no pun intended) better results next spring.

Core Aerate

The first step is to core aerate. To do this you will need to rent a core aerator from a local equipment rental company. If you have like-minded neighbors, band together and rent one together for a weekend to save some money.

A core aerator removes a plug of soil from the ground. This allows air and water to better infiltrate deeper into the root system of your turf. Good air circulation reduces the threat of harmful insects and diseases.

Core aerating also helps breakdown the tough clay soil we have. This allows water and nutrients to more freely flow to the root systems. Leave the plugs on your lawn to naturally break up. The will help provide a good seed bed for the next step.

Over Seeding

Over seeding is simply the process of adding grass seed to the lawn. By doing this, you will be increasing the population of grass plants. More grass plant means that there will be less room for weeds to grow. Pretty simple, right?

grass seed 2643455 1280Do not skimp when purchasing grass seed. Quality matters. In Maryland, we generally look to mixtures of Improved Tall Fescue grass because if its resistance to diseases and drought stress. Plan to apply 6-8 pounds of grass seed per 1,000 square feet of lawn.

Care after seeding is important too. Watering plays a key role in getting your new grass seed off to a good start. Please review our watering instructions at https://allentucklandscaping.com/watering-instructions-for-new-landscapes/.

Liming

This is the part that most people do not fully understand so a basic (again, no pun intended) tutorial is in order. We know we have a lot of really smart customers so if this is insulting, please bear with us.

The ph scale measures acidity on a scale of one to fourteen, the lower the number, the more acidic something else. Seven is even. Our clay soil is generally acidic. The problem is that, for grass to take the best advantage of available nutrients, it involves a pH of between 5.5 and 6.5. If the pH is not in that range, all the fertilizer in the world is useless to grass.

Adding lime to the soil makes the soil pH less acidic. We can generally add 10-15 pounds of lime per 1,000 square feet of lime each year without worrying about moving the pH above the desired range. To be absolutely sure of what our soil need, you can always submit a sample to a lab for testing and recommendations. Follow this link to a lab that will accept your soil samples: https://www.agrianalysis.com/

One More Thing For Extra Credit

There is one more thing you can do to improve your lawn even more; add compost. A light topdressing of compost improves the soil exponentially and your lawn will love it.

Investing a little time and sweat is worth it to have the greenest lawn on the block.

Related Posts:

7 Things To Know About Watering Your Lawn

What Is The Correct Lawn Mowing Height

Remember, Allentuck Landscaping Co. is always here to help you design, install, construct and maintain you lawn and landscape.  Give us a call!

 Allentuck Landscaping Co. is Your Residential Landscape Company

Phone: 301-515-1900 Email: info@allentucklandscaping.com

At Allentuck Landscaping Co., our mission is to create beautiful environments for people to enjoy. We see landscaping as a way to improve people’s lives.

The Allentuck Landscaping Co. team has been delighting homeowners in Maryland, Washington DC and Northern Virginia for over 28 years with our turnkey approach to landscape design, installation, construction and maintenance. Most companies try to serve many types of customers at the same time; homeowners, shopping centers, office buildings and the list goes on. At Allentuck Landscaping Co., we focus on one customer, you, the homeowner. We have a singular focus on bringing you the best landscape practices, the best customer service, and the best value for your home.

Services Provide – Master Landscape Plans, Complete Maintenance Programs, Plantings, Patios, Walkways, Retaining Walls, Water Features, Outdoor Lighting, Outdoor Kitchens, Trellises & Pergolas, Irrigation Systems, Drainage Solutions, Grading & Sodding. Fire Pits & Fire Places, Spring Clean Ups, Decks, Fences

Areas Served – Chevy Chase, Bethesda, Potomac, Rockville, North Potomac, Darnestown, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Boyds, Clarksburg, Ijamsville, Urbana, Frederick and Washington DC.

5 Most Important Questions To Ask When Hiring A Landscaping Company

A beautiful yard doesn’t happen by accident. Whether you’re dreaming of a lush garden, a new patio, or a complete landscape makeover, choosing the right landscaping company makes all the difference. But with so many options out there, how do you know which one is the best fit? Asking the right questions before signing a contract can save you time, money, and headaches. Here are five essential questions to ask when hiring a landscape company to ensure you get the

READ MORE »

Top February Garden Tips: Preparing for Spring Growth

February is a crucial month for gardeners, making it the perfect time to focus on the top February garden tips to prepare for the upcoming spring season. While winter still lingers, small signs of new growth begin to appear, signaling that it’s time to start planning, pruning, and protecting your landscape. By tackling key gardening tasks now, you’ll set the stage for a vibrant and thriving garden in the months ahead. 1. Prune Trees and Shrubs: Top February Garden Tips

READ MORE »

How to Plan Your Outdoor Living Space: 5 Key Steps

Imagine stepping outside and being greeted by the perfect outdoor retreat—your personal slice of paradise, right in your backyard. Whether you dream of hosting lively barbecues, relaxing by a fire pit, or sipping your morning coffee surrounded by lush greenery, creating well-designed outdoor living spaces can transform how you use and enjoy your home. But turning that vision into reality? That takes a plan. Planning your outdoor living space isn’t just about picking out patio furniture or planting flowers. It’s

READ MORE »

Rectangle vs Curvy Patio: Which is the Best Patio Shape for Your Yard?

Your patio is more than just an extension of your home; it’s where memories are made. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, sipping your morning coffee, or enjoying a quiet evening under the stars, the shape of your patio plays a big role in how the space looks and feels. Choosing the best patio shape for your yard can seem tricky, but it doesn’t have to be. By understanding the strengths and challenges of rectangular and curvy patios, you’ll be

READ MORE »

How Much Does a Full Landscape Maintenance Program Cost in Montgomery County, MD?

Keeping your yard looking pristine isn’t just about appearances. It’s about preserving your home’s value, creating a welcoming space for your family, and ensuring that your outdoor investment thrives year-round. But how much does a full landscape maintenance program cost in Montgomery County, MD? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on factors like property size, services included, and the level of care you expect. Let’s dive into the details to help you make an informed decision that works for your

READ MORE »

Comparing PVC and ADS Pipes: Pros and Cons for Yard Drainage Systems

When heavy rain hits, your yard’s drainage system is put to the test. Water pooling in all the wrong places can damage your landscape, threaten your home’s foundation, and create a breeding ground for mosquitoes. That’s why choosing the right pipe is so important. Today, we’re comparing PVC and ADS pipes, two of the most popular options for homeowners looking to improve their yard drainage. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, but which one is best for your yard? Let’s

READ MORE »