Benefits of Fall Cleanup
Leaf Removal
As a child, you probably loved jumping in massive piles of leaves. Unfortunately, as an adult, you probably spend much more time raking leaves than enjoying them. Raking leaves can be tough—and many homeowners are now skipping the task altogether. However, raking isn’t just for aesthetics. Here are three benefits your lawn will receive if you keep up with your raking this fall.
- Healthy sunlight absorption. Like any other plant, grass needs to be able to absorb sunlight in order to stay healthy and grow. If you allow a layer of leaves to cover your landscaping, your grass has a much harder time getting the sunlight it needs to produce energy. This can lead to more brown patches when spring rolls around.
- Less “smothering.” Most lawns in the northern half of the United States are made up of a blend of cool-season grasses. Cool season grasses can survive snow and colder temperatures but need a consistent stream of sunlight and water to stay healthy. If you let a layer of leaves cover your grass, it will have a harder time getting the water and nutrients it needs to grow.
- Fewer pests and diseases. Fall leaves are often hosts for disease and pests. Allowing leaves to hang around on your property can cause any disease from your trees to infect your grass. This can lead to snow mold and brown patch infestations in your lawn. Leaves also provide the perfect hiding spot for pests like termites and mice as well. By skipping the raking, you might unknowingly be inviting some unexpected guests onto your lawn.
Too busy to handle your own leaf-raking this season? Let Ascape Landscaping handle your end-of-season cleanup! Our team provides professional landscaping and fall cleanup services, allowing your lawn to reap the benefits without spending hours raking. Give us a call today at today to learn more or get started!
Aeration and Overseeding
- Aeration reduces soil compaction. Just as you wouldn’t try to plant a flower in concrete… a rock hard soil bed is not conducive to a great lawn either! Loose soil allows grass roots to plunge deeper into the soil to find vital water resources in times of stress.
- Aeration reduces thatch. Thatch is made up of grass stems and roots that accumulate faster than they breakdown. Excessive thatch creates an environment that is favorable to pests and disease.
- Aeration allows access to the root zone. By penetrating the soil, you’re allowing moisture, air, & food to the root zone where nutrients are absorbed.
- Aeration enhances seed germination. Seeds germinate easily in aerator holes as the holes provide them a place to hide.
- Overseeding introduces new grass seed to fill in bare or thin areas as well as thickens existing turf. Over time, grass plants reach their peak and need to be replaced. Different factors contribute to the breakdown of the grass including foot traffic, heat, lack of water, environmental conditions, pet waste, etc.
- Overseeding builds resistance to disease. By incorporating different blends of grass seed, you reduce your risk to diseases that can wipe out your entire lawn.
- Aeration and overseeding will help to reduce weeds. Opportunistic weeds germinate in areas where they can be successful. Crabgrass grows in thin areas, nutsedge pops up in thin/low spots, and broadleaf weeds spread where there is little desirable grass. The best defense is to have a thick lawn.
- Aeration and overseeding will immediately improve your lawn’s current appearance. If your lawn was attacked by fungus, insects, or animals, a core aeration and overseeding will help. You’ll be able to see seed germination in 7-10 days.