Late August Lawn Care Tips for a Healthy Fall Transition

As summer comes to a close, late August is the perfect time to prepare your lawn for the cooler months ahead. The steps you take now will help your lawn recover from the summer heat and ensure it’s ready for the challenges of fall. In this blog, we’ll cover essential late August lawn care tips that will set your lawn up for success in the coming season.

1. Deep Watering for Root Growth

Late August is an ideal time to focus on deep watering. As temperatures start to cool down, your lawn’s water needs may decrease, but deep watering encourages deeper root growth. Water your lawn early in the morning, ensuring it gets about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall.

2. Aeration Preparation

If your lawn has seen heavy foot traffic or has become compacted over the summer, now is the time to plan for aeration. While aeration is typically done in early fall, late August is the perfect time to assess your lawn and schedule this vital task. Aeration helps alleviate soil compaction, improves water penetration, and promotes stronger root systems.

3. Mowing Adjustments

Continue mowing your lawn regularly, but start gradually lowering the mower blade as the end of the season approaches. A shorter grass height going into fall helps reduce thatch buildup and makes your lawn less susceptible to fungal diseases. However, avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass blade at a time to prevent stress.

4. Late Summer Fertilization

Late August is a great time to give your lawn a boost with a balanced fertilizer. A light application of fertilizer now will help replenish nutrients lost during the hot summer months, promoting healthy growth as your lawn prepares for fall.

5. Weed Control

Weeds can be particularly aggressive in late summer. Take the time to spot-treat any weeds with an appropriate herbicide or pull them by hand to prevent them from spreading seeds and becoming a bigger problem in the fall.

By following these late August lawn care tips, you’ll help your lawn recover from the stresses of summer and lay the groundwork for a healthy, vibrant lawn in the fall.