Warren, OH -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/14/2014 -- Do-Cut’s Power Equipment Warehouse recommends proactive lawn care habits as the mowing season winds down.

To some, fall lawn care means raking leaves and that’s about all; but the reality is that there are plenty of great opportunities to optimize conditions for grass so that it not only survives the winter but also thrives in the spring.

Experts urge homeowners and caretakers to keep mowing normally until the last few cuts at the end of fall, at which time the cutting height should be lowered as far as possible without taking away more than a third of the length of the grass blades. This will expose the crown of the plant to sun light in both the fall and the spring, and there will be less grass to turn brown in the winter.

Fall is an ideal time to aerate. Letting the proper nutrients and air into the ground which supports turf will assist in fortifying grass as it gathers and stores sustenance for the harsh winter months. Late September/early October is the best time to aerate.

If fertilizing will only be done once a year, autumn is the best time to do it. As grass blades grow slower late in the year, the roots and rhizomes (horizontal stems that produce grass blades) continue to grow at a high rate. The grass is getting itself ready for winter. Fall fertilization promotes the growth of hardy, deep roots so that grass plants can take best advantage during the next growing season. Mid to late fall after aeration is the optimum time period for fertilization.

Bald spots are best addressed in early to mid-September, giving the grass seed ample time to germinate before the coolest part of autumn. Lawn repair mixtures are available and contain everything needed (including fertilizer and mulch) to fix dead areas of turf. Watering every other day is recommended unless rainfall is otherwise sufficient.

Keeping up with the leaves as they fall is also a good idea. Moisture from rain and dew can cause harmful matting that will kill areas of grass by blocking out vital sunlight and carbon dioxide. Furthermore, matted leaves promote fungal growth. Leaves do not have to be raked; bagging them while mowing the grass will reduce accumulation over time. It’s best to remove as many leaves as possible before the first snow fall.

Relevant equipment like aerators and spreaders can be purchased by homeowners and commercial lawn care contractors by contacting a power equipment dealer or rental house. Brands such as Ryan, Bluebird, Prizelawn and others are available from Do-Cut’s Power Equipment Warehouse.

About Power Equipment Warehouse
Power Equipment Warehouse and its affiliates are family owned and operated since 1947. Brands of power equipment supplies sold include: Toro, Husqvarna, Honda, Little Wonder, Mantis, MTD, JRCO, Ryan, Brown, Bluebird, Trac-Vac, Trimmertrap, Jungle Jims, Velke and many, many more. Power Equipment Warehouse is the trusted name in the outdoor power equipment industry.