As summer careens towards its conclusion, the countdown to fall ignites excitement for many! It is signaling the arrival of cooler temperatures, vibrant foliage, and cozy gatherings. The official first day of Fall is September 22 - and we are less than one month away! The days are already starting to shorten, and we anticipate the seasonal transition marked by the rich palette of autumn leaves, pumpkin spice lattes (yes, Instagram is already blowing up with the Pumpkin Spice posts *eye roll*), and harvest festivities (Waterford Pumpkin festival, we're looking at you!). October brings Halloween thrills and a chance to embrace outdoor adventures like apple-picking and hiking amidst the picturesque landscapes. This countdown invites us to celebrate the beauty of nature’s transformations and the warmth of community as we prepare for a season rich in traditions, flavors, and reflective moments.

Preparing your lawn for Fall is essential for ensuring its health and vigor in the upcoming seasons. Begin by mowing your grass to a slightly shorter height, which helps preventing disease and encourages new growth. Rake up leaves and debris to allow sunlight and air to reach the soil, while also reducing pests and diseases. Aerate the soil to promote better water absorption, especially if your lawn is compacted. Following aeration, overseed with a cool-season grass blend to fill in any thin spots and improve the lawn’s density. Finally, apply a balanced fertilizer to provide essential nutrients that support root development and prepare your lawn for Winter dormancy. Water thoroughly to ensure that the grass establishes strong roots before the onset of colder temperatures.

In general, your yard also needs to be put to bed before Winter. It is essential to ensure a healthy landscape during the colder months and a vibrant spring awakening. Trim back perennials and dead annuals to tidy your garden, and remove any diseased plant material. Consider mulching around trees and shrubs to protect their roots from frost. Ideally, take potted outdoor plants inside for Winter if possible. Put away excess pots, especially if they are clay or stone, so they don't crack; if you do not have room for them inside, lay them on their side to ensure they do not fill with water/snow and crack as the water expands. Lastly, clean and store garden tools to keep them in good condition for the next planting season. With these steps, your yard will be well-prepared for the fall and ready to thrive when spring arrives.