Fall Lawn Care Tips for a Healthier Lawn with Your Reel Mower

As the temperatures start to cool here in the south and the growing season begins to wind down, it’s important to give your lawn the attention it needs before winter arrives. Fall is the ideal time to prepare your grass for a healthy, lush appearance in the spring. With your California Trimmer reel mower, combined with a few essential maintenance tasks, you can keep your lawn looking its best all year long.

Here are some key tips to follow to make sure your lawn thrives through the fall and winter months:

1. Aerate Your Lawn

Summer activity can lead to compacted soil, which restricts airflow and limits water and nutrient absorption. Aerating your lawn in the fall helps alleviate compaction and allows oxygen, water, and nutrients to reach the grassroots. Using the Catalyst’s aerator cartridge, available at Shields Reels, you can easily punch holes in your soil to improve drainage and promote healthy growth.

2. De-thatch and Remove Moss

Over time, lawns can develop a thick layer of dead grass and moss, especially during the humid summer months in North Carolina. Thatch and moss can block essential nutrients from reaching the soil, leading to weakened grass. The Catalyst’s de-thatching and moss removal cartridges make this process easy by lifting and removing debris from the surface, encouraging better airflow and root health.

3. Overseed and Fertilize

Fall is the perfect time for overseeding your lawn. After aerating and de-thatching, your soil will be ready to receive new seed. Overseeding in the fall gives your grass a head start on root development, filling in any bare or thin spots. Apply a fall fertilizer rich in potassium to support strong roots and protect against winter damage. The clean and precise cut of your reel mower will help maintain a healthier, denser lawn, giving your new grass the best chance to establish itself before the winter months.

4. Adjust Your Mower Height for Fall

As fall progresses, you should lower the cutting height of your reel mower. Keeping your grass slightly shorter in the fall (but not too short) helps protect it from disease during the dormant winter period. The Catalyst mower allows for easy height adjustments, so you can quickly set the perfect cutting height for the season. Aim for a height of about 2 to 2.5 inches for most cool-season grasses.

5. Clean and Maintain Your Reel Mower

Before storing your reel mower for the winter, make sure to clean it thoroughly and perform any necessary maintenance. At Shields Reels, we offer maintenance services to keep your mower in top condition. Regular cleaning and sharpening of the blades will ensure that your reel mower continues to deliver a sharp, clean cut for years to come.

Happy Fall Y'all

By following these essential fall lawn care steps, you’ll not only maintain a beautiful lawn through the winter but also ensure that it’s ready to flourish in the spring. The Catalyst reel mower and its versatile attachments make it easy to tackle every aspect of lawn maintenance, from aeration to de-thatching, and more.

At Shields Reels, we offer a range of California Trimmer reel mowers and accessories, along with professional maintenance services to keep your equipment in optimal shape. Contact us today to learn more about how our products can help you achieve the lawn of your dreams, or to schedule a maintenance appointment before winter sets in!