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Fall is the best time to prepare your lawn to enjoy thriving grass in spring – follow these expert tips

Pabio November 13, 2024

I’m spending a lot of time in my garden this month, overwinter my lavenderraking leaves and saving my bulbs from pesky ones squirrelswho bury deeper than usual, to dig up my spring flowers planted using the bulb lasagna technical. There are plenty of pests to deter and jobs to keep me busy.

However, there is one task that can be forgotten among the myriad of other jobs. Even though we take care of our lawns in the spring and summer, it’s easy to forget that they still need a little maintenance in the fall.

Paying attention to the weeds in your lawn as the leaves fall from the trees will pay rich dividends in the spring when growth resumes. Here, we’ve tapped lawn experts to share their best tips on why fall is a good time to remove them. weeds and the best way to do it.

What problems do weeds cause in a lawn?

Uneven lawn

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

“Weeds rob your lawn of essential nutrients, water and sunlight, weakening your lawn over time,” says Gene Caballero, co-founder of GreenPal.

“This competition can result in an uneven and unhealthy lawn as weeds outcompete the grass, leading to thinning and making the lawn more susceptible to pests and disease,” says Robert Baker, weed expert at ScottsMiracle-Gro R&D.

“What makes the situation worse is that some weeds spread aggressively, quickly invading large areas and diminishing the aesthetic appeal of your lawn,” he adds.

Common weeds that wreak havoc on a lush lawn include crabgrass, dandelionsand clover. “They are particularly aggressive and thrive in poorly maintained lawns,” adds Caballero.

Why is fall the best time to control weeds?

Fall is an effective time for weed control because perennial weeds are busy absorbing nutrients to prepare for winter. Baker explains, “When you apply weed control treatments in the fall, weeds take up the herbicide as well as the nutrients, transporting it to their roots. This results in more effective eradication.

He continues: “The soil is still warm from summer, which helps herbicides be effective, while the cooler air temperatures minimize stress on your lawn. Some annual weeds, such as chickweed, germinate in the fall and are most effectively controlled when they are small.

What will happen to your lawn if you leave weeds alone?

A close-up of crabgrass in a lawn

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

If weeds are left untreated, Caballero says they will continue to spread, “making them more expensive and much more difficult to eliminate.”

This will cause weeds that were not treated to come back stronger and may spread more aggressively in the spring. “This can lead to an overgrown lawn where grass struggles to grow,” says Baker.

He also points out that the lawn could become prone to erosion and less resilient to the stress of drought, foot traffic or other environmental factors.

What are the best tips for stopping weeds from taking hold in the first place?

Husqvarna Automower 450XH EPOS mows the lawn outdoors.

(Image credit: Future)

Preventing weeds from taking hold starts with maintaining a healthy lawnand unfortunately there is no shortcut to get the perfect lawn. “Regular mowing, watering and fertilizing help create a dense turf that leaves little room for weeds,” says Caballero.

Baker recommends mowing your lawn to the correct height: “Cutting the grass too short can stress it and leave room for weeds to grow. Keep your mower set at the recommended height for your grass type.

If you have a large area of lawn, you might consider investing in a robot lawn mower to reduce all the hard work.

He also recommends using a pre-emergent herbicide. “In early spring, pre-emergence can help prevent weed seeds from germinating. Weeds that germinate in the fall can be avoided by using a pre-emergent herbicide in early fall.

How to Get Weeds Out of Your Lawn

Dandelion weeds in the lawn and spraying with weedkiller herbicide.

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

For small weed infestations, Baker suggests pulling them out manually, advising pulling them from the base to remove as many roots as possible. Don’t forget to wear a pair of best gardening gloves to protect your hands.

“This method is environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and allows you to target weeds precisely,” says Callaero. However, he adds, “this can be time consuming and labor intensive, especially if the weeds have a deep or extensive root system. »

You can also use a tool designed for this job, such as Grampa’s Weeder ($39 at Amazon). This long-handled tool will save you from having to get on all fours to remove weeds.

Once you have pulled out the weeds, it is also worth filling in any bare spots with grass seed to prevent the weeds from coming back. You can also add a thin layer of topsoil and overseed to maintain a thick lawn.

For persistent weeds, Callabero says they should be treated topically with a postemergence herbicide. “This method quickly kills stubborn weeds without damaging surrounding grass if applied correctly.” However, he warns: “If applied incorrectly, it can damage your lawn or nearby plants. »

To ensure the product is used correctly, he suggests: “Follow label directions carefully and apply only in calm weather to avoid overspraying, and target only weeds to minimize contact with grass or the surrounding plants. »

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Fall is the best time to prepare your lawn to enjoy thriving grass in spring – follow these expert tips

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Fall is the best time to prepare your lawn to enjoy thriving grass in spring – follow these expert tips

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