Just because the weather is getting colder and grasses are becoming dormant does not mean homeowners can forget about proper lawn care. There are many ways to prepare yards so that, come spring, grass will be lush and healthy. Kuester Management Group has released a statement to the press detailing tasks for fall and winter lawn care.
“Many homeowners tend to ignore their lawns once the grass appears to have stopped growing,” says Bryan Kuester, President of Kuester Management Group. “While they may be done mowing, it’s an ideal time to prepare for spring by fertilizing, over-seeding, aerating, and more. This can help to curb common issues once growing season begins again.”
While the weather is still changing from warm to cool, it is important to continue mowing as necessary. Keep mower blades sharp and adjust settings so that no more than one-third of the grass’ height is trimmed at once. It can be beneficial to keep grass short during the final mowing to allow more sunlight and water to reach the soil and roots.
Homeowners should know what type of grass they have in order to properly care for it. Common varieties in the Carolinas include Bermuda, fescue, and Zoysia. While fescue is a cool-season grass, Zoysia and Bermuda are warm-season grasses. Typically cool-season grasses should be fertilized in the fall, while warm-season grasses should be fertilized in the spring or summer. Over-seeding varies by grass type as well, so check to see whether fall is the right time to tend to thinning areas or bare spots.
Aerating is another step that many people overlook. Taking the time to aerate the lawn helps break up soil that may have become compact during use over the summer. This is especially important if there was a lot of foot traffic from children playing, pets, or outdoor get togethers. Aeration allows sunlight, water, and nutrients to reach grass roots more easily.
“Don’t forget to stay on top of leaves as well,” says Kuester. “When leaves are allowed to lay on the grass for an extended period of time, they trap moisture and keep sunlight from reaching the grass. The grass needs to breathe. Check with your HOA to see if they have arranged a time for leaf pickup and what the proper procedures are. Some communities require special leaf bags, while others will sweep up leaf piles curbside. Leaves can also be a great addition to compost piles.”
Fall can also be a great time to spread pre-emergent or herbicides to control winter weeds. Stay on top of pesky dandelions and other weeds that may have spread during the summer so they don’t return come spring. Weather in the Carolinas can be fickle, so read packaging to make sure temperatures are agreeable for the best results.
HOAs should also be taking steps to prepare common areas for cooler weather. Now is a good time to check in with landscaping companies to ensure proper services are in place to keep lawns healthy and ready for winter. Kuester supports HOAs in connecting with reputable vendors and securing services that meet their needs.
ABOUT:
Kuester Management Group, a division of Kuester Companies, works to protect property values and enhance the quality of life in each of its managed communities. Providing a full range of association management services, Kuester Management Group has worked to foster strong, resilient, and unified communities across North and South Carolina. The company is proud to offer on-site property managers, all zealous for building strong communities meant to stand the test of time.
More information is available at www.kuester.com or @KuesterCompany.
Media Contact
Company Name: Kuester Management Group
Contact Person: Bryan Kuester
Email: bryan@kuester.com
Phone: 704-973-9019
Country: United States
Website: www.kuester.com