Why We Rake Leaves and Other Fall Must-Dos

Tiger Pride Lawn Care
Sep 22
2 min read

When fall rolls into Iowa, we all enjoy the crisp air, Friday night lights, and the changing colors of the trees. But when those beautiful leaves hit the ground, your lawn care needs go up a level.

At Tiger Pride Lawn Care, we believe fall is one of the most important times of year to set your yard up for a successful spring and summer – here’s why.

Why Raking Leaves Matters

While it might be tempting to leave the leaves laying in your yard, letting them pile up can suffocate your grass. A thick mat of leaves blocks sunlight and traps moisture, creating the perfect conditions for mold, disease, and even bare spots. Raking and removing leaves allows your lawn to breathe, ensures nutrients reach the soil, and helps your turf head into winter strong.

Pro tip: If you’d rather not bag everything, mulching leaves into fine pieces with your mower is another way to recycle nutrients right back into your yard.

Aeration: Give Roots Some Room

Fall is also prime time for lawn aeration. Over the summer, your soil gets compacted from foot traffic, pets, and even mowing. Aeration punches small holes into the ground, allowing water, oxygen, and nutrients to penetrate deeper into the root. Stronger roots now mean a thicker, greener lawn come spring.

Fertilizing for the Future

Many homeowners think fertilizing is only for spring, but fall fertilization is critical. Applying the right nutrients in the fall feeds your lawn before dormancy, strengthens root systems, and jumpstarts growth when the snow melts. Think of it as putting your lawn to bed with a hearty meal, it’ll wake up healthier and ready to thrive.

Overseeding Bare Spots

If you’ve noticed thin or bare patches, fall is the time to overseed. The cooler weather is ideal for new grass seed to germinate without the stress of summer heat. By filling in weak areas now, you’ll head off weeds next year and enjoy a more uniform, lush yard.

Don’t Forget Pest and Weed Control

Even as your lawn slows down, weeds and pests are still active. Fall treatments can stop dandelions, crabgrass, and grubs before they take hold, saving you frustration when growing season returns.

Take Pride in Your Lawn This Fall

Your yard is more than just grass, it’s also a place to make memories. From backyard football games to cozy fall firepits, enjoy your yard a little more by taking extra care now. Your efforts will pay off when your lawn looks great year-round.

At Tiger Pride Lawn Care, we know what it takes to protect and prepare Iowa lawns for the changing seasons. Let us handle the fall must-dos like aeration, fertilizing, seeding, and pest control, so you can enjoy everything else the season has to offer.