As the crisp fall air settles over Fayetteville, it’s time to think about preparing your lawn for the winter months ahead. While your grass may not be growing as vigorously as it did in the warmer months, November is an essential time to complete certain lawn care tasks that will help your yard thrive when spring arrives. At Green Biz Nursery & Landscaping, we’re here to guide you through the best November lawn care practices specific to Fayetteville’s climate.
1. Aerate Your Lawn for Better Root Health
One of the most important tasks you can do in November is lawn aeration. Fayetteville’s soil can become compacted over time, especially after a hot, dry summer or a season of heavy foot traffic. Aeration helps to alleviate this by creating small holes in the soil, allowing air, water, and nutrients to reach the grass roots more effectively.
Why November?
Late fall is the ideal time for aeration because cooler temperatures promote root growth, and aerating before the ground freezes helps the roots establish themselves over the winter. If you haven’t yet aerated, it’s not too late—this simple step will help your lawn green up quicker in the spring.
2. Fertilize Your Lawn for Winter Resilience
Fall is the best time to apply a winterizing fertilizer. The goal is to feed your lawn a balanced fertilizer that will help it survive the winter and rebound strongly in the spring. At Green Biz Nursery & Landscaping, we recommend using a fertilizer with a higher potassium content, as it helps grass roots to become stronger and more resilient to the cold weather.
Why November?
Fertilizing in November allows your grass to store nutrients in its roots during the winter, so when spring arrives, it’s ready to grow vigorously. Make sure to apply the fertilizer after aeration and before the first frost, ensuring it has enough time to be absorbed by the soil.
Tip: Be sure to follow the recommended application rates to avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to nutrient imbalances.
3. Rake Leaves, Mulch, or Compost Them
While fallen leaves can create a picturesque fall scene, they also have the potential to smother your grass if left on the lawn. In November, be sure to rake or mulch your leaves to prevent them from blocking sunlight and air from reaching your grass. If you don’t want to bag the leaves, you can mulch them with a mower, which will break them down into fine pieces that provide valuable organic matter for your soil.
Why November?
At this time of year, leaves are abundant, and getting rid of them quickly will help ensure your lawn stays healthy throughout the winter months. Additionally, mulching leaves can provide nutrients back into the soil as they break down.
Tip: If you prefer to compost your leaves, create a compost pile and use it as mulch around garden beds to help with winter insulation.
4. Adjust Your Mowing Routine
As the weather cools, your grass will stop growing as rapidly, and you may notice that you don’t need to mow as often. However, it’s still important to keep your lawn at the right height throughout November. Grass should be mowed to about 2.5 to 3 inches as you approach winter. Keeping it a bit longer helps the grass develop strong roots and allows it to better withstand cold temperatures.
Why November?
Mowing your lawn too short can stress your grass, making it more vulnerable to winter damage, so be sure to avoid cutting too low as the season progresses. Conversely, mowing too high can cause a dense layer of thatch, which can trap moisture and cause fungus growth.
Tip: Keep your mower blades sharp to ensure clean cuts that promote healthy growth.
5. Winterize Your Irrigation System
Even though Fayetteville doesn’t experience extreme winters, winterizing your irrigation system is an important step to protect your investment and prevent damage to your pipes. Before the first frost hits, make sure to drain your irrigation system and shut off the water supply to avoid freezing. Green Biz is here for all of your irrigation system needs, so please don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact us to schedule your irrigation system winterization now.
Why November?
Frozen pipes can lead to costly repairs and damage. Taking a few minutes to shut down your irrigation system ensures that it remains in working order when spring returns.
Tip: If you’re unsure how to winterize your irrigation system, Green Biz Nursery & Landscaping can assist with this service.
6. Prune and Clean Up Your Lawn Equipment
November is the perfect time to prune trees and shrubs around your lawn. Focus on removing any dead or diseased branches, but avoid heavy pruning that can stimulate new growth too late in the season. Also, make sure to clean and store away your lawn equipment, such as mowers and trimmers, to protect them from the winter elements.
Why November?
Pruning plants and cleaning equipment in November ensures that your yard stays neat and tidy during the winter months. Plus, properly maintaining your equipment now will save you time and frustration when spring comes around.
Tip: Consider applying a light layer of mulch around tree bases and garden beds to help insulate the roots during the colder months.
Get Your Lawn Ready for Spring with Green Biz Nursery & Landscaping
November is a crucial month for getting your lawn prepared for the winter months ahead. With the right care and attention, your grass will be stronger, healthier, and better equipped to handle the cold weather.
We offer a range of professional lawn care services, including lawn maintenance, full yard clean-ups, and landscaping services. Visit us today or contact us to learn more about how we can help you achieve a beautiful, healthy lawn and yard in Fayetteville, NC.
Happy Gardening from Green Biz Nursery & Landscaping!