Fall Lawn Cleanup: Essential Tasks to Protect Your Grass Before Winter
As the vibrant colors of autumn arrive in Calgary, it’s the perfect time to prepare your lawn for the upcoming winter. Proper fall lawn care ensures your grass remains healthy and resilient through the harsh cold months, emerging greener and stronger in the spring. Follow these essential tasks to give your lawn the protection it needs.
1. Final Mowing & Grass Cutting
Gradually lower your mower's cutting height as the season progresses, but avoid cutting the grass too short. Aim for a final mow at about 2 to 2.5 inches. This helps prevent matting under the snow while still offering some protection to the roots. Leaving your grass too long can invite mold and disease, while cutting it too short may expose the roots to harsh temperatures.
Pro Tip: Keep your mower blades sharp to ensure a clean cut and reduce stress on the grass.
2. Rake & Remove Leaves
While fallen leaves add a picturesque touch to your yard, they can suffocate your lawn if left unchecked. A thick layer of leaves blocks sunlight, traps moisture, and encourages fungal growth. Rake or use a leaf blower regularly to prevent damage. If you prefer a sustainable option, consider mulching the leaves using your lawnmower. This returns nutrients to the soil, acting as a natural fertilizer.
Pro Tip: Mulched leaves should be no more than 1 inch thick for effective decomposition.
3. Aerate the Soil
Soil compaction is common in Calgary, especially after a summer of heavy foot traffic. Aeration involves creating small holes in the lawn to allow air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots more effectively. Fall is an ideal time to aerate, as it promotes root growth before winter dormancy.
Pro Tip: Rent a core aerator from your local garden center or hire a professional for best results.
4. Overseed Patchy Areas
If you notice bare or thinning areas, overseeding can revitalize your lawn. Spread a cool-season grass seed blend, which thrives in Calgary’s climate. The cooler temperatures and occasional fall rain provide optimal conditions for seed germination.
Pro Tip: Choose a blend of Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass, and Fine Fescue for a resilient and lush lawn.
5. Apply Fall Fertilizer
A specialized fall fertilizer is essential for strengthening your lawn’s roots and improving its winter hardiness. Look for a fertilizer labeled as a “winterizer” that contains higher potassium levels. This nutrient helps plants build stronger cell walls and withstand cold stress.
Pro Tip: Apply fertilizer about 2-3 weeks before the ground freezes to maximize nutrient absorption.
6. Control Weeds
Weeds like dandelions and clover are still actively growing in the fall. Applying a selective herbicide or using natural weed control methods can reduce weed competition in the spring. Stronger roots and healthier grass in the fall will naturally crowd out weeds.
Pro Tip: Apply herbicide on a dry, calm day for the best results.
7. Clean Up Garden Beds
Prune dead branches, remove spent annuals, and cut back perennials to prepare your flower beds for winter. Clearing away debris also eliminates places for pests to overwinter.
Pro Tip: Add a layer of mulch around plants to insulate roots and retain moisture.
8. Winterize Your Irrigation System
Prevent damage from freezing temperatures by properly draining your irrigation system. Blow out any remaining water using an air compressor to avoid burst pipes and costly repairs.
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure how to winterize your system, hire a professional to ensure it’s done correctly.
9. Store Lawn Equipment Safely
Before winter sets in, clean and store your lawn mower, trimmers, and other tools. Empty the fuel tank or add a fuel stabilizer to prevent damage from ethanol buildup. Sharpen blades, lubricate moving parts, and check for any necessary repairs.
Pro Tip: Remove and store batteries from electric equipment in a dry, temperature-controlled environment.
Final Thoughts
By dedicating time to fall lawn cleanup, you’re giving your grass the best chance to endure Calgary’s tough winter. Come spring, you’ll be rewarded with a vibrant, healthy lawn that’s ready to flourish. If you’re looking for professional assistance, TD Greenworks offers comprehensive fall lawn care services to take the stress off your shoulders. Contact us today to schedule your fall cleanup and ensure your lawn stays in top shape all year round!
