Fall Lawn Care Myths Debunked: What Every Marylander Should Know

It’s true that as leaves break down, they can contribute organic matter and some nutrients back into the soil beneath your lawn. However, leaving more than a light dusting of leaves to decompose is a risky proposition. Excessive fallen leaves are more likely to suffocate grass by blocking sunlight and restricting airflow. Densely matted leaves also retain more moisture, which creates prime conditions for fungal diseases like brown patches to take hold. Too many decomposing leaves can become a buffet for pests like chinchbugs as well. They provide ideal shelter for these lawn invaders to overwinter and feed. While limited leaf litter can be beneficial, an uncontrolled excess most often does far more harm than good for your lawn’s health. Rake up piles and excess to avoid serious issues.

It’s easy to be fooled by the cooler nights and shorter days of fall, but your lawn still needs adequate moisture even as temperatures decline. In fact, fall is the most important season for root development and growth. Grass plants respond to dropping temperatures by directing more resources below ground to establish deeper root systems. This prepares them for the dormancy and harsh conditions of winter. However, robust root growth requires consistent soil moisture to thrive. Depriving your lawn of water in fall sets it up for thinner, weaker roots that are vulnerable to winter die-offs. Continue irrigating less frequently but deeper into the soil. Proper fall watering pays dividends for years to come in the form of healthier, resilient roots.

The cooling temperatures of fall are actually ideal for nourishing your lawn with the right fertilizer blends. The moderate conditions allow for slower, steady nutrient release and absorption to store energy for winter. In particular, potassium in fertilizers strengthens grass plants against disease and environmental stress. A balanced feeding in fall also fuels root growth which results in a thicker, greener lawn the following spring. There’s no worry of excess top growth with lower temperatures. And Maryland’s relatively mild climate means grass continues growing into late fall. Feeding during this window maximizes benefits to roots and cold tolerance while avoiding growth surges. Fertilize correctly in the fall, and your lawn will flourish.

The growth pace of your lawn may slow down in the fall, but that doesn’t mean you can stash away the lawnmower and forget about it. Grass still needs occasional cutting to maintain an even stand of turf going into winter. However, avoid aggressive short mowing, which can weaken and thin grass by removing too much leaf tissue. Instead, increase your blade height for a gentle cut that leaves more photosynthesizing material behind. This nourishes the crowns and roots to aid winter survival, while a clean cut prevents matting and clearing out debris. Continue mowing until growth has largely halted for the season, generally after several hard frosts. Letting grass get too long in fall leads to matting, disease, and winter damage.

Actually, fall is one of the best times to aerate your lawn. Actively growing grass in spring and summer quickly fills in aeration holes. But slowing growth in fall allows holes to remain open longer, enhancing soil oxygen and water intake for months. Cooler temperatures also stress root systems less during recovery. Fall aeration on Maryland lawns relieves soil compaction from summer activity, providing better drainage and soil conditions for roots over winter. It also gives fertilizers and seeds better contact with soil when overseeded. For improved spring green-up and thicker turf, always aerate in the fall.

The misconception that fall is too late for overseeding prevents many Maryland homeowners from thickening up thin lawns at the ideal time. In fact, early fall is prime time for grass seeding success before winter dormancy. Soil retains the warmth needed for quick germination without excessive heat and drought pressure on new grass. Cool-season turfgrass varieties like tall fescue thrive when seeded in fall. And lower weed pressure in fall gives new grass an advantage to establish. Overseed in spring, and you’ll battle major weed invasions. For the best results, overseeding belongs on your essential fall lawn care checklist.

It’s partially true that heat-loving pests like spiders, ticks, fleas, and chinchbugs are less active as temperatures drop in the fall. However, other opportunistic invaders prep for winter by infesting lawns and structures. Ants aggressively search for winter shelter in lawns. Grubs feed heavily on grassroots to store energy before dormancy. Rodents like voles burrow under protective snow cover seeking food sources. Geese flock together and concentrate damage on turf. Vigilance is still required to prevent pests from overwintering at your expense. Take advantage of fall to tackle lingering problems before they return bigger next year.

While fallen leaves are a nuisance, raking serves other important purposes beyond just cleaning up what trees drop. Thatch buildup, a layer of accumulated dead grass and roots, can also smother lawns if not periodically removed. Excess thatch prevents water, air, and nutrients from properly filtering down into the soil. It also harbors fungal diseases and pests. Dethatching and raking, even on lawns without trees, removes this debris to rejuvenate turf. Take advantage of fall’s slower grass growth by raking thoroughly to lift and remove unhealthy layers of thatch accumulation.

The needs of different grass species vary more than fans at a Ravens vs. Steelers game. Cool-season grasses like fescue thrive in fall’s shorter days and cooler weather. But warm-season varieties like Zoysia and Bermuda enter dormancy faster with less mowing, fertilization, and irrigation required. Letting zoysia go dormant with a final hard frost avoids winter kill. Knowing your specific grass types and their fall care needs is crucial. Treating all lawns alike can backfire. Warm-season grass needs height adjustments, winterization preparation, and different timing compared to cool-season stands. Follow best practices tailored to your grass.

Homeowners often turn to gas or electric leaf blowers in the fall for their power and convenience compared to raking. However, blowers have limitations when it comes to thoroughly removing leaf litter and debris. They can redistribute leaves into neighbors’ yards, flowerbeds, or wooded borders. Blowers also drive leaves and debris down to the base of the grass, where it takes root as damaging thatch. High-velocity airflow can erode soil and even damage grass when not used carefully. For lawn health, gently raking lifts debris without excessive disturbance. It removes more harmful thatch buildup and leaves a clean surface ideal for final mowing. Relying solely on leaf blowers often just transports the problem elsewhere rather than solving it.

I hope this article helps you navigate the maze of fall lawn care myths and sets you on the path to a healthy, beautiful lawn. Happy fall, y’all!

Ready to give your lawn the best care this fall? Don’t let myths steer you wrong. Call us now at (443) 206-0221 or email us and let our experts guide you to a lush, healthy lawn. Act now for a greener tomorrow!