The best way to ensure a beautiful and healthy lawn and landscaping come springtime is to take the proper steps in preparing for winter before the harsh conditions arrive.  Without this, a lawn that hasn’t been “put to bed” for the winter will be evident in the spring. However, a little work now will make for a lush and gorgeous lawn when spring does return.

While many homeowners think their lawn needs less care in the fall because the grass isn’t growly as quickly, this way of thinking couldn’t be further from the truth. Pull on your gloves, get out the lawnmower and rake, and follow these tips to prepare your lawn for winter.

Keep Mowing: Continue to mow your lawn, as needed, throughout the fall. When it’s time for your final cut for the season, drop the mower’s blade to its lowest setting.
Aerate the Soil: Aerating your lawn in fall allows oxygen, water, and fertilizer to reach the grass’s roots easily.
Rake the Leaves: While it’s not a job anyone enjoys, it’s important to remove fallen leaves as soon as possible.
Fertilize: If you only fertilize your lawn once per year, do it in the fall. While the grass growth has slowed, grass roots continue to grow quickly. Applying fertilizer now promotes deep root growth and a reserve of nutrients for a healthy start to spring.

A lawn that is properly cared for before the cold and deep freeze sets in will be healthier and require less maintenance the next year. For help with winterizing your landscaping in Butler, PA, call Custom Lawn Care, Inc. at (724) 287-3149.

In our last post, we told you about the best time to rake leaves, and how to prepare for raking. Here is a quick guide to effective raking, and some smart ways to use those leaves once you’re done with them:

Before You Rake
In our last post, we mentioned that it is best to wait until nearly all the leaves have fallen to rake your lawn. While this is sound advice, you will still want to deal with the leaves that fall earlier. Mow your lawn on a regular basis with a mulching mower or use a bag attachment on your mower to maintain your lawn health as the fall progresses. Do this when the leaves are dry, and the wind is still.

Raking Methods
When you’re raking your lawn, you should also be removing thatch – dead grass that builds up between the grass and the soil. It is important to remove it on a regular basis to maintain lawn health. Using the right raking method allows you to both rake your leaves and remove thatch.

Rake vigorously and deeply, making sure the tines of the rake reach all the way down to the thatch. Go slowly so that you can make sure you didn’t miss any spots.

This raking technique can be tiring and uses muscles that you probably don’t use that much. Make sure you take breaks from time to time and switch your hand grip. The correct posture to rake leaves is to keep your back straight and your knees bent.

Reusing the Leaves
Leaves can be used as compost for your garden or as mulch, so don’t let them go to waste! Reusing your leaves can save you plenty of money when it’s time to do your landscaping in the spring.

When you need quality landscaping services, including lawn pest control in Butler, PA, call Custom Lawn Care, Inc. at (724) 287-3149.

Believe it or not, there is a right way and a wrong way to rake your leaves in the fall. Doing right requires some preparation. It’s important to have the right gear to prevent injury, choose the right time to rake, remove thatch at the same time, and put those leaves to good use. Here is a quick guide to help you rake your leaves efficiently:

Preparing to Rake
Raking leaves can cause injury if you do not approach the task with the right equipment. To prevent blisters, make sure you wear work gloves. Use a mask if you have outdoor allergies, and if you have back problems make sure you wear a brace.

Choosing the right rake is also important. A heavy metal rake is used for evening out the soil in the garden and should not be used for leaves. Look for a rake that has a length suitable for your height and is made for raking leaves. Ergonomic models are available, as well as rakes with a cushion grip to protect your hands. Purchase a rake with sharp tines so that you can remove thatch while you rake, and a wide head to increase your speed.

Timing
For your own sanity and health, wait until almost all of the leaves have fallen to rake, so you can get it all done at once.

In our next post, we will discuss efficient ways to rake, and methods for disposing and reusing the leaves once you are done. When you need effective landscaping in Butler, PA, call Custom Lawn Care, Inc. at (724) 287-3149.