The maintenance of a healthy Manhattan lawn takes more than weekly mowing. As you undoubtedly already know, some duties need to be completed at particular periods of the year to maintain the neatness and greenery of the lawn at your rental property. Aerating and overseeding your grass are the two most crucial lawn maintenance jobs for the fall season. Amazed? To find out more about why fall is the best time to get your grass ready for a strong growing season, keep reading!
Why Not Spring?
Most people believe there isn’t much to do for your lawn until spring when it comes to lawn maintenance. But delaying until spring to cultivate your lawn for the growing season may result in more harm than good. In the spring, the soil is frequently frigid and teeming with weed seeds that have gone dormant. By pushing out newly spouting grasses, aerating this soil may encourage even more weed growth. In addition, if summer heat hits too early, it might destroy new grass plants that haven’t had the time to form deep roots.
Why Fall is Best
However, in the fall season, the soil is warm and there are fewer weed seeds. Annual weeds that are there are normally dying at this time of year, so your new grass has little competition to develop. Because it can be done in these circumstances without encouraging additional weed growth, aerating is the most efficient. It also permits newly overseeded grasses to establish deep roots before the onset of winter’s lower temperatures.
Won’t Cold Temperature Kill the Grass?
A major worry among many homeowners is how the effects of cold or freezing conditions may affect their new lawns. But you shouldn’t worry! Before winter comes in, overseeding in the fall enables the grass to grow sturdy roots. The fresh grass will be able to withstand the winter and continue to thrive come April.
The Benefits of Aeration
If you wonder if aerating your rental property’s lawn is worth the time and expense, the answer is absolutely yes! By reducing compaction and facilitating easier access for water, air, and nutrients to the root zone, aeration helps to improve the health of your soil. Consequently, the turf may grow more densely and healthily. It also promotes a stronger root system, reduces thatch buildup, and improves drainage.
Aerating can also make seeding or overseeding grass much more effective. This is because the holes made by aeration permit the new grass seeds to make contact with soil and establish roots more easily. The outcome is a thicker and lusher yard that any Manhattan property manager would be proud to have.
Pro Tips to Aerate and Overseed a Healthy Lawn
To aerate the lawn of your rental property, you can purchase a mechanical or manual aerator from your local hardware store. Small soil plugs will be removed from the lawn by both types of aerators. However, it can still be a time-consuming and physically taxing task even when using a motorized aerator. For this reason, a lot of people decide to hire a specialist.
As you aerate, cover the entire lawn and make several passes in various directions for even coverage. By doing this, you can be sure the lawn has been adequately aerated and is prepared to receive seed.
Select a grass seed mixture suitable for your environment and lawn conditions for sowing or overseeding. Before purchasing grass, you may wish to consult with a professional in lawn care about the type of grass you should purchase. Distribute the seed evenly across the lawn, and make sure to water frequently to keep the soil damp so that seedlings can emerge.
Your lawn can be prepared for a lush and healthy growing season the following year by receiving proper care in the fall. And nothing attracts tenants and bolsters property values like a healthy lawn! However, if lawn care is not at the top of your priority list for property maintenance, you should consider hiring professionals to do it for you.
At Real Property Management Bozeman, we offer comprehensive property maintenance services that can keep all parts of your investment property looking great. Contact us online today to learn more.
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