Renew Your Lawn: A Guide to Fall Renovation

Fall presents an ideal opportunity for lawn renovation, enabling your grass to recover from summer stress and fortify itself before winter's chill sets in. Homeowners in Rockland, Bergen, and Orange Counties can follow these steps to ensure a healthy, resilient lawn.

Assess and Plan:

• Evaluate problem areas: bald spots, compacted soil, excess thatch, and drainage issues.

• Formulate a targeted plan to address each concern effectively.

Dethatch if Necessary:

• Thatch is a layer of dead grass and debris that accumulates on the soil's surface.

• Excess thatch (more than ½ inch thick) can block water and nutrient absorption.

• Lawns with heavy that may require aeration afterward to further improve soil health.

• Consistent mowing, fertilizing, and aeration help minimize thatch buildup over time.

Aerate the Soil:

• Compacted soil suffocates grass roots and restricts water absorption.

• Aeration creates small holes, which let air, water and nutrients penetrate the root zone.

• Fall is an ideal time for aeration, especially for cool-season grasses, as it promotes stronger roots and a healthier, thicker lawn.

• Perform aeration when soil is moist but not soggy, ideally after rainfall or irrigation.

• Overseeding and fertilizing immediately after aeration improves results, as open channels allow better seed-to-soil contact and nutrient absorption.

• Schedule early in the fall to allow recovery before winter. Late season aeration risks damaging new growth in cold weather.

Overseeding:

• Spread a high-quality grass seed blend evenly across the lawn, focusing on thin or bare patches.

• Cooler fall temperatures and adequate moisture support optimal germination.

Fertilize Wisely:

• Fall is the time to feed your lawn for strong root development.

• Apply a balanced, slow-release fall fertilizer with a higher phosphorus content, that promotes root development, rather than leafy growth.

• Benefits of fall fertilization include improved drought resistance, enhanced winter hardiness, earlier and stronger spring growth, richer green color, and greater disease resistance.

Keep Watering:

• Fall often provides more natural rainfall, but additional watering may still be necessary.

• Adequate moisture is essential for newly overseeded areas to establish.

• Proper watering also supports existing grass as it prepares for winter.

Mowing Matters:

• Gradually lower mowing height in the weeks before winter.

• Shorter grass prevents matting under snowfall.

Remove Leaves and Debris:

• Clear fallen leaves and debris regularly throughout the season.

• Keeping the lawn free of buildup ensures sunlight and air can reach the turf and reduces the risk of winter disease.

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