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PUT YOUR LAWN (AND MOWER) TO SLEEP
Here is a brief list from The Lawn Institute (www.thelawninstitute.org) of what needs to be done before the snow falls to ensure your lawn is as good as possible in the spring.
● Fall aeration is a great way to open the soil and eliminate compaction and reduce thatch. Have this done every fall if possible and fertilize afterwards.
● If weeds are a problem, spot spray broadleaf weeds with a broadleaf weed killer.
● Fertilize your lawn with a fertilizer that is high in Nitrogen and Potassium, this increases carbohydrate production in the plant and toughens the plant for the impending winter.
● Make sure the lawn is getting adequate water. If fall rains are not present, watering a little will allow the grass to take in nutrients to get set for the cold.
● Mulch or remove all fallen tree leaves from the turf. If removed, try and use the leaves as a cover for other perennial plants or compost them instead of sending them to a landfill.
● Mow your lawn short the last mowing of the season. This decreases the occurrence of Snow Mold.
● Seed can be applied after the last mowing if you wish. It will germinate in the spring as soon as conditions are favorable. Do not apply a preventative weed control application in the spring until after the seedlings have matured and have been mowed 3 times.
● If Snow Mold is a repeat problem, talk to a reputable lawn maintenance company about a preventative fungicide treatment to decrease the occurrence of this problem.
● Sharpen your mower blade so it is ready for the spring. Replacing the spark plug and making sure the air filters are clean or having a tune-up conducted are good ideas as well.
● If you have a metal fuel tank on your lawn equipment, leave it full for the winter. If you have a plastic fuel tank, leave it empty.
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