Fall is definitely upon us here in Prince William. The signs are all around with the crisp air, the chilly mornings and everyone out working on their lawns. If you’re confused about what’s appropriate this time of year, read on.
Aeration
Fall is THE time to aerate your lawn. Aerating involves a special machine designed to pull plugs of soil out of your yard, making space for air, water and seed. Without regular aeration, lawns can become compacted, making it difficult for that lush green grass to thrive.
You may choose to rent an aerator from your local hardware store and do it yourself. Most lawn care companies also offer an aeration and seeding package, if you’re looking to save yourself some time.
Seeding
It makes sense to seed your lawn in the fall after you aerate. That freshly aerated soil is filled with holes perfect for seed germination. Be prepared to water daily until you see strong sprouting, and then at least an inch of water a week thereafter. Grass will continue to mature its roots in preparation for a healthy, lush lawn in the spring.
Even lawns in good shape with just a few patches can benefit from overseeding. Overseeding is simply applying seed over your existing lawn to fill in patches or brown spots and create a thicker, greener, healthier lawn. Read more on tips for overseeding specifically in Northern Virginia.
Fertilizing
In the fall, your existing grasses are recovering from the stress of a hot summer. It’s a great time to fertilize. A blend of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium is best to apply in the fall. Follow the application instructions on the specific brand of fertilizer that you decide to purchase. Remember, in this case, more is not better. Overfertilizing can lead to damage to your lawn, so heed those instructions.
Shrubs and Plant Care
Fall is the time to cut back many of your favorite plants that thrive in the Prince William area. Here are a few to trim now:
- Hydrangeas
- Juniper
- Gardenias
- Euonymous
- Butterfly bushes
- Rose of Sharon
- Privet
Virginia Tech offers a complete list of common shrubs and the best times for pruning. It may seem counterintuitive to cut your beautiful blooming plants back so harshly, but in many cases, the more you trim, the better the blooms will be in the spring! Hydrangeas fall into this category, and who doesn’t love a garden full of hydrangea blooms?
I hope these tips will help you have the greenest lawn on the block come spring! And if you’re looking to list your home and discuss further tips for creating curb appeal, reach out any time.
Looking for real estate services in Gainesville, Haymarket or Bristow? Contact your local real estate expert Belinda Jacobson-Loehle of Jacobson Realty and Home Staging today. Also be sure to sign up now for a FREE copy of my eBook, “The Real Estate Key – What You Need to Know!”
1,512 total views, 1 views today