Keep Your Lawn Healthy

As the first frosts settle over Ottawa, now is the time to give your lawn the care it needs to survive months of snow and ice. Local horticulture experts say a few simple tasks in October can mean the difference between a patchy spring lawn and one that greens up quickly.

With just a few hours of attention this fall, homeowners can protect their lawns and ensure a healthy, vibrant start to the growing season next spring.

The first step is mowing. Continue to cut the grass until growth stops, usually in late October. For the final cut, set the mower blade to about two inches. Shorter grass helps prevent snow mold and discourages rodents from nesting.

Leaves should not be left to mat down over winter. Either rake them away or mulch them finely with your mower so they can decompose and feed the soil. Compacted lawns benefit from fall aeration, which allows air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots.

Fertilizing in fall is also key. A slow-release fertilizer high in potassium helps grass store energy and strengthen its root system before the ground freezes. Homeowners with thin or bare patches should overseed after aerating, keeping the soil moist until frost arrives.

Finally, give the lawn a deep watering if autumn has been dry and prepare your equipment for storage, clean mower blades, drain or stabilize fuel, and organize garden tools before the snow arrives.

With just a few hours of attention this fall, homeowners can protect their lawns and ensure a healthy, vibrant start to the growing season next spring.