Fall Lawn Care Tips

As we begin the transition from fall to winter, what changes should you make to your lawn mowing routine in preparation for winter?

Continue mowing at the same height

As the weather becomes cooler, the amount of time between mows should increase. Just set the height as you normally would, right up until the time when growth stops and you stop mowing. At exactly what height should lawn mowers be set, in general? According to Robert E. Kozlowski at the Cornell University Cooperative Extension, mowing your lawn with a lawn mower set at a proper height can save you from having to rake or bag your lawn clippings. His rule of thumb is, "Mow when your grass is dry and 3 to 3-1/2 inches tall. Never cut it shorter than 2 to 2-1/2 inches or remove more than one third of the leaf surface at any one mowing." Kozlowski’s premise is that the valuable nutrients in lawn clippings can actually benefit your lawn as long as they are kept to a minimum. Using this tip does result in more frequent mowing, but your lawn will be fed by nutrients in the clippings, making it healthier and well-fertilized.

Dealing with leaves

With the beautiful changing colors of leaves during fall in the Midwest, comes the task of dealing with leaves in your yard. Once the leaves start falling, try to rake or blow (we offer some great Stihl products!) the leaves as often as you can. Making sure your yard is free of leaves not only improves appearance, but it also improves your lawn’s health; leaves lying on the grass block out sunlight, which your lawn needs in the fall as it stores nutrients for winter dormancy. There are also many other options to take care of the leaves in your yard other than raking or blowing. You can use a bagger on your lawn mower or a pull-behind sweeper. You might also mulch the leaves by mowing over them.

When to stop mowing

One question you may have is: when should I stop mowing in the fall? The simple answer is when the grass stops growing. Don’t be too quick to stop mowing. The date you stop mowing will be different every year. Just because you stopped mowing on such-and-such a date last year doesn’t mean it will be the same this year. The weather will determine when the grass will stop growing, and then in turn you can stop mowing.

Winterizing your lawn mower

After your last mow of the season, be sure to take proper care of your lawn mower and prepare it for winter storage. If you don't have time to do-it-yourself, here at Holland and Sons we offer a Winter Service Special that includes everything you need to have your mower prepared for winter storage and ready for next spring. 

Now through October 31, get FREE pickup and delivery when you sign up for any Winter Service Special! Click here to reserve your spot today.