Our Fall Lawn Care and Maintenance Checklist
Congratulations on becoming a new homeowner in Tulsa and welcome to Oklahoma! One of the responsibilities that comes with a new home is lawn maintenance. Fall is a crucial time for lawn care in Tulsa, especially for tall fescue lawns. Lawn care during the fall also prepares your turf for the winter and ensures a lush, healthy lawn in the spring. We’ve put together a comprehensive fall lawn care checklist to help new homeowners in Tulsa maintain a healthy lawn year-round.
Rake Leaves and Debris
With fall, we can expect falling leaves. While they may look picturesque, they can harm your lawn if left unattended. Rake up fallen leaves and remove any debris regularly. Piles of leaves can smother your grass, preventing sunlight and air from reaching the soil, and may lead to lawn diseases or dead spots.
Aeration and Overseeding
Fall is an ideal time for aeration and overseeding in Tulsa for cool-season lawns. Aeration is a vital step in maintaining a healthy lawn. Use a core aerator to create small holes in your soil, allowing oxygen, nutrients, and water to penetrate deeply into the soil. This process relieves soil compaction and promotes healthier root growth. Overseeding is the practice of planting grass seed over your existing lawn. This helps fill in thin areas, improves grass density, and enhances the overall appearance of your lawn. Choose a grass seed variety suitable for Tulsa’s climate and be sure to follow the seeding instructions on the product. Spring is the best time of year for aeration for warm-season grasses.
Fall Fertilization and Soil Testing in Tulsa
Fall lawn fertilization is crucial for strengthening your grass’s root system and promoting winter hardiness. Look for a fertilizer with a high potassium content, as this aids in cold tolerance. Always follow product labels and application guidelines when applying products to your lawn, or contact a professional! Prior to applying lawn fertilizer, your lawn may benefit from a soil test to see what nutrients may be lacking in the soil. Soil samples can be sent to your local extension office and results can take up to 4-6 weeks.
Weed Control and Fall Pre-emergents
Fall is an important time to tackle weeds in your lawn. Pre-emergents (preventative weed control) should be applied seasonally to prevent upcoming winter weeds. Warm-season grasses, like Bermudagrass or zoysia, will go dormant in the winter, but weeds won’t stop! Winter annual weeds can be an eyesore in your new lawn. Make sure to avoid weed control in areas where you are planning to plant new grass seed as weed control can hinder those results.
Watering Tips for a Healthy Tulsa Lawn
While Tulsa generally experiences cooler temperatures in the fall, don’t forget to water your lawn as needed. If you’re installing new irrigation systems at your home, make sure they can reach all areas of the lawn. Ensure your lawn receives at least one inch of water per week, either through rainfall or irrigation. Proper watering helps your grass withstand winter stress and maintain healthy root systems.
Winterize Your Lawn Equipment
As the fall season progresses, take the time to prepare your lawn equipment for winter storage. Clean and properly store your lawnmower, trimmer, blower, and other tools to prevent rust and ensure they’re in good working order for spring next year.
Professional Fall Lawn Care Services for Tulsa Homeowners
Following this fall lawn care checklist will help prepare your lawn for the winter and set the stage for a beautiful, healthy lawn in the spring. As a new homeowner in Tulsa, taking care of these fall lawn care tasks may seem like a chore with so many things to manage around your new home. Take some of the work off your plate and contact our team at Green Group Oklahoma. We offer professional lawn care services including weed control and lawn fertilization, tree and shrub care, and aeration and overseeding for tall fescue lawns in Tulsa. We proudly service Tulsa, Bixby, Sand Springs, Broken Arrow, and surrounding areas. Contact us today to learn more!