As the summer heat gives way to milder temperatures, homeowners across the state of North Carolina need to make fall lawn care a priority. While the leaves are changing and falling, the grass on your lawn is also adapting to the change in seasons.
Implementing these fall lawn care tips will help your lawn thrive through the winter months and remain beautiful and healthy come spring.
1. Rake and Remove Debris
Rake and remove debris from your lawn at least once a week. Leaves, branches, and other organic matter can suffocate the grass and promote turf disease. Your efforts will allow sunlight, airflow, and water to reach the grass and nurture its growth.
2. Plant New Trees and Shrubs
Fall is the best time to add new plantings in southeastern North Carolina. Fall installation maximizes the time new plants have to root in and support health before the onset of summer heat and stress. Planting this time of year also saves water. Watering requirements in the fall are much less to keep plants hydrated and promote root growth than in spring and early summer.
3. Fertilize with a Fall-Specific Blend
Proper fertilization offers a three-pronged approach to fall lawn care: it helps your lawn recover from summer stress, strengthens root systems throughout winter, and prepares the lawn for a strong spring start. Be sure to invest in a high-quality, fall-specific blend that’s rich in both phosphorus and potassium, as these nutrients will boost stress tolerance and support root development.
4. Re-sod Bare Areas
Early fall, while warm season grasses such as Bermuda, Zoysia, and Centipede are not yet dormant, is a great time to deal with bare areas or sod installation in general. Water requirements for turf roots are less than when temperatures are on the upswing. Once turf goes dormant and turns brown (generally mid to late November), it is best to wait until late winter or early spring (March or April). Sod availability in the spring can be hit or miss depending on winter severity. So it is best to take advantage of favorable conditions and turf availability and resod in the Fall.
5. Watering in the Fall
Since cooler temperatures reduce evaporation, less frequent watering is needed during the fall, but you still must water your lawn so it can stay adequately hydrated. To avoid overwatering, monitor the soil moisture regularly and water only when the top inch of the warm-season grasses feels dry to the touch. New planting and new sod will need supplemental watering until fully rooted in.
Prioritize Your Fall Lawn Care
Implementing effective fall lawn care practices is essential for maintaining a healthy lawn. A well-cared-for lawn during the winter months will promote robust growth and vitality in the spring.
If you’re looking to enhance your outdoor space with significant landscaping improvements, such as redesigns or new installations, we encourage you to contact us for a complimentary consultation. If you live in New Hanover, Pender, Brunswick, or Onslow, we’d be happy to help you plan for a beautiful spring transformation.