The maintenance of a healthy Smithfield lawn takes more than weekly mowing. As you likely already know, certain tasks must be completed at specific times of the year to keep the lawn of your rental property tidy and green. The two most important fall lawn maintenance tasks are aerating and overseeding. Shocked? Continue reading to find out more reasons why fall is the best time to get your lawn ready for a thriving growing season.
Why Not Spring?
When it comes to lawn care, most people believe there is very little to be done until spring. However, waiting until spring to prepare your yard for the growing season could be detrimental. In the spring, the soil is typically chilly and populated by dormant weed seeds. This soil’s aeration may increase weed growth, suffocating newly budding grasses. The summer heat can also destroy new grass plants that haven’t had a chance to form deep root systems if it arrives too early.
Why Fall is Best
However, in the fall season, the soil is warm and there are fewer weed seeds. Annual weeds that are there are normally dying at this time of year, so your new grass has little competition to develop. Because it can be done in these circumstances without encouraging additional weed growth, aerating is the most efficient. It also permits newly overseeded grasses to establish deep roots before the onset of winter’s lower temperatures.
Won’t Cold Temperature Kill the Grass?
Commonly, homeowners are concerned about the effects of cold or freezing conditions on their new lawns. There is no need to worry, though! Before the arrival of winter, overseeding in the fall enables the grass to grow robust roots. The brand-new grass will be able to withstand the winter and resume growing in the spring.
The Benefits of Aeration
The answer is a hearty yes if you are wondering if aerating your rental property’s lawn is worth the time and expense. By lessening compaction and facilitating easier access for water, air, and nutrients to the root zone, aeration aids in the improvement of the soil’s health. This can result in thicker, healthier grass growth. It also improves drainage, allows for a more robust root system, and cuts down on thatch buildup.
Overseeding or seeding a lawn can be far more effective if aerating is employed. This is the case because the holes created by aeration allow the new grass seeds to join with the soil and more easily produce roots. The outcome is a thicker and lusher yard that any Smithfield property manager would be proud to have.
Pro Tips to Aerate and Overseed a Healthy Lawn
To aerate the lawn of your rental property, you can purchase a mechanical or manual aerator from your local hardware store. The lawn will have small soil plugs removed by both varieties of aerators. It can be a time-consuming and physically taxing task, though, even when using a motorized aerator. Because of this, many people decide to hire a specialist to complete this task.
For even coverage, while aerating, cover the entire lawn and make several passes in various directions. By doing this, you can be sure the lawn has been adequately aerated and is prepared to receive seed.
Choose a grass seed blend appropriate for your climate and lawn conditions when seeding or overseeding. Consult a professional in lawn care before purchasing grass, as the type of grass you choose is crucial. Spread the seed evenly over the lawn, and make sure to water frequently to keep the soil damp so that new seedlings can emerge.
By caring for your lawn in the autumn, you can ensure that it will have a lush and healthy growing season the following year. And nothing supports high property values and draws tenants like a healthy lawn! However, if lawn care is not at the top of your priority list for property maintenance, you should consider hiring professionals to do it for you.
At Real Property Management Cache Valley, we offer comprehensive property maintenance services that can keep all parts of your investment property looking great. Contact us online today to learn more.
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