Fall Landscaping In The Phoenix Metro Area

Okay, it is not officially Fall yet. Most folks think that fall starts on the 20th or 21st but not this year. In 2015, the autumnal equinox falls on September 23 at 4:21 A.M. (ET)

That is the day when we have 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of night. And of course, we get the name Autumn from the word. Autumnal.

Even if the start of fall is a couple of days away it is time to think about making changes needed to get your commercial landscaping ready for the change in weather.

Proper care this fall and will have an advantage over lawns that are left to fend for themselves until spring. Because turfgrass is about 75% water, when the plant loses more water through the leaves than it absorbs through the roots, winter drought stress sets in. 

Your grass will eventually stop growing and enters a dormant state. While the plant may not be dead, taking appropriate action in the fall can help the turf recover during the winter and come back rejuvenated next spring.

At Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance we recommend the following changes to bring drought-stricken turf areas back to health:

1. Mow Higher: Though fall rains can spur vigorous blade growth, resisting the urge to mow can be beneficial. Drought stress is not eliminated after one or two waterings or rain showers, so give the turf some additional time to encourage root growth and depth before mowing. Apply the “1/3 Rule” – remove the top third of the blade height – when mowing to avoid additional stress.

2. Remove the Thatch Layer: Thatch build up can prevent water and nutrients from absorbing into the soil where the plant roots need it most. Use a thatch remover, for mowers, to lift the thatch from the turf. Collect the thatch removed and use it as compost.

3. Aerate: Aeration is key to any healthy lawn. You should aerate twice a year, in the fall and spring, and especially after drought stress. Aerating relieves soil compaction, encourages root growth, improves water absorption and prepares the soil for overseeding and fertilizing. 

4. Overseed and Fertilize: Overseed to fill in thin or bare areas, and apply a starter fertilizer with higher levels of phosphorus to establish the new root system. If your landscape does not require overseeding, simply apply a fertilizer with higher levels of nitrogen, which will encourage growth and recovery.

 It doesn’t matter to us whether you want lush lawns, desert landscaping or some type of landscaping in between, we can help.  We serve businesses like yours all over the Phoenix Metro Area. To find out how give us a call at 623-848-8277.

Presented by:
Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance, LLC
623-848-8277
http://www.commerciallandscapecare.com
greenskeeperllc@cox.net