As temperatures finally begin to moderate California homeowners it’s a good time to invest some TLC into your lawn. After all, it’s been through the heat and dryness of summer, so it deserves it!
Clark, your neighborly pest control, termite and rodent control expert, also knows a thing or two about helping homeowners with a healthy, good looking and weed-free lawn. Our customizable lawn care and tree services will complement your home’s pest control protection program from Clark and create a comprehensive protection zone both inside and outside your home.
Fall is the Time for Pre-Emergents
Fall is considered one of the best times for applying pre-emergent herbicides to your lawn. A fall application of pre-emergents helps maintain a weed-free lawn and promotes healthier grass growth throughout the year.
Weed Prevention - Fall is when many challenging weeds, particularly winter annuals like crabgrass, chickweed, and henbit, begin to germinate. By applying a pre-emergent herbicide before this germination occurs, you can prevent these weeds from establishing in your lawn. This also helps create a defensible space around your home lessening the threat of dry weeds and brush adding fuel to wildfires.
Soil Temperature - Pre-emergent herbicides work best when soil temperatures are consistently around 55°F for several days. This temperature threshold is typically reached in the fall, creating the perfect environment for the herbicide to activate and form a barrier that stops weed seeds from sprouting.
Extended Weed Control - Applying pre-emergents in the fall can provide season-long protection. Since many weeds germinate in the fall and continue growing through winter and early spring, a fall application ensures that your lawn is protected during these critical growth periods.
Healthier Spring Lawn - By preventing weed growth in the fall and winter, your lawn will have less competition for nutrients, water, and sunlight in the spring. This leads to a healthier, more vigorous lawn as it emerges from dormancy.
Good Timing - Fall application aligns well with lawn care schedules, as many homeowners are already aerating and overseeding during this period. Applying pre-emergents after these activities can be more convenient and effective.
More Fall Lawn Care Tips
Beyond applying a pre-emergent to your lawn, there are additional steps California homeowners can take to help the overall health and appearance of their lawns.
Watering Adjustments
- Reduce Watering: As temperatures cool and days shorten, lawns require less water. Adjust your irrigation schedule to water less frequently, but ensure the lawn gets deep watering to promote root growth.
Fertilization
- Apply Fertilizer: Fall is a great time to fertilize your lawn, particularly with a slow-release, high-nitrogen fertilizer. This helps the grass recover from summer stress and prepares it for the cooler months ahead.
Mowing
- Continue Mowing: Keep mowing your lawn until growth slows significantly. Gradually lower the mowing height to help the grass grow denser, but avoid cutting it too short, which can stress the grass.
Overseeding
- Overseed Cool-Season Grasses: If your lawn has thin or bare spots, overseeding in the fall is beneficial. Cool-season grasses, like fescue, thrive when overseeded in the fall.
Aeration
- Aerate the Lawn: Fall is an excellent time to aerate your lawn, especially if you have compacted soil or thatch buildup. Aeration allows water, nutrients, and oxygen to reach the roots more effectively.
Disease Prevention
- Monitor for Diseases: Keep an eye out for signs of lawn diseases, which can be more prevalent in the fall. If you notice any, take steps to address them promptly, such as adjusting watering practices or applying fungicides if necessary.
Lawn Care from Clark
If you have questions about taking care of your lawn and yard call or text Clark at 800/WE-NEED-YOU or an e-mail clarkcares@clarkpest.com.
Until next time, the pest management professionals at Clark Pest Control thank you for helping to keep unwanted pests out of your home and yard.