Tips for Today to Make Your Lawn Look Better Tomorrow

Can you believe that fall is already here? In Central Florida, our lawn growing season is a little different than it is elsewhere in the U.S. Year-round mild temperatures mean that we’re mowing and growing for a majority of the year, rather than during the warmth of the spring and summer. Still, now that the scorching heat of the summer is cooling off a bit, you might find yourself spending more time in your garden over the next month or so.

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast like we are, you’re always looking for ways to make your lawn look brighter and more beautiful! Here are a few quick and easy things you can do today to make your lawn look even more gorgeous tomorrow.

Mulch your trees with your saved grass clippings. Grass clippings act as a great mulch, which helps your trees reserve water for longer and also helps prevent weeds from sprouting. After you mow your lawn, collect your grass clippings and let them dry out for a few days. Then, place them around the bases of your trees, leaving a space of 2-3 inches between the trunk and the mulch. Rake it out to 3 or 4 feet surrounding the tree. You’ll save money, and goodness knows, we have plenty of grass clippings!
Use your dried leaves to start a compost heap. Compost is a nutrient-rich addition to any soil that helps your plants and flowers to thrive. Most people may think that compost is mostly food scraps, but in reality, compost needs a lot of carbon to strike the right balance - and dried leaves are a great source of carbon. See if your local utilities service will give you a composter for free!
Choose the right fertilizer and apply. Fall is the best time of year to apply your selected fertilizer. Keep in mind to apply an even spread of fertilizer across your lawn. Some homeowners make the mistake of fertilizing extra in shady spots with the intent to boost growth, but in reality, the extra fertilizer is probably burning what grass is already there.

Even little actions like these can make a huge impact on your lawn in the coming months. When it comes down to it, fall lawn care in Central Florida isn’t much different than care for the spring and summer months, but the slightly cooler temperatures outside give us the opportunity to get our hands a little dirty! To learn more from the Central Florida mower parts professionals, call Gator Mower Parts at 407-260-1292.