Fall brings many opportunities for outdoor learning and fun activities for all ages! Here are some tips on refreshing your lawn, planting this season and choosing plants for that beautiful fall color everyone loves. The experts at Earl May have some great tips for fall lawn care.
Rejuvenate Your Lawn
Your lawn sees a lot of action – backyard cookouts, family gatherings, and kids playing. After a long, stressful summer, your lawn (like you) may need to recharge, fill back in, and get set for the winter ahead. Fall is the BEST time to overseed a lawn. Warm soil and cool temperatures at night make the perfect growing conditions!
Here are some fall lawn care tips:
- Prep – Mow grass to a height of 1-1.5 inches. Vigorously rake soil to loosen and rough up the surface.
- Seed – Select the best lawn seed for your lawn. Bargain seed can lead to issues down the road. Earl May Lawn Seed has been tested in Midwest turf trials with excellent results! Overseed at rates listed for your chosen mix.
- Fertilize – Use Lawn Starter fertilizer to strengthen the existing lawn and to help new seedlings take root and fill in faster. Rake lightly once more to ensure good seed to soil contact.
- Water – Keep the seed evenly moist to speed up germination. Follow these tips and you’ll see a new lawn spring to life in just a few weeks!
Why Fall is Good for Planting
In our Midwest climate, mid-August to mid-October is ideal for planting. Temperatures start to cool above ground while the soil is still warm below ground. Trees and shrubs can be planted late into the season, even after leaves have dropped. Earl May recommends hardy ornamental grasses and perennials be planted by late September.
More rainfall is another advantage of planting in the fall, reducing the demand for a water hose. Water the landscape into late fall on new plantings. Give fall-planted items a last “drink” at Thanksgiving so the roots have plenty of moisture as the ground freezes.
Mother nature knows best! Plants are naturally going through changes in the fall. The tops of the plant are gradually shutting down and energy is going into the roots for winter. Fall planting and transplanting follow this natural cycle to give your landscape a great jump start next spring!
What to Plant Now for Beautiful Fall Color
Jumping into leaves can be a kid’s favorite fall activity. Plant a tree that will give them entertainment for years to come! Additionally, shrubs and fall-blooming flowers provide even more color throughout the yard.
Here are Earl May’s suggestions of favorite fall plants:
Trees
- Autumn Blaze Maple
- Brandywine Maple
- Fall Fiesta Sugar Maple
- Skyline Honey Locust
- Red Oak
- Cleveland Pear
Shrubs
- Beautyberry
- Coralberry
- Burning Bush
- Barberry
Flowers
- Coneflowers (perennial)
- Surprise Lilies (perennial)
- Mums (annual)
- Celosia (annual)
- Marigolds (annual)
With these tips and planting suggestions you can enjoy the outdoors with your family this fall. Whether it’s planting flowers or a tree, creating a greener lawn, teaching your kids about nature or playing games, you’re sure to find something fun for everyone!
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Have more questions about fall lawn care? Visit the experts at Earl May for more great tips and advice.
