Fall Preparation: Checklist for PNW Homeowners

September is a prime opportunity to help your lawn, garden, trees and shrubs thrive as the seasons change. Here is your PNW fall property maintenance checklist:

Lawn Care:

Mid to late September is a great time to help your lawn establish strong root systems before cooler temps set in. Take a moment to evaluate your lawn’s current condition; identify areas with bare spots, thin grass, or other issues. Then, it’s time to get to work!

Mowing and Debris Removal:

Mow your existing grass at a lower height than usual to allow better seed-to-soil contact during overseeding.
Collect and remove the clippings, leaves, and other debris from the lawn surface.

Lawn Aeration:

Now is the time to aerate your lawn. This will improve soil compaction and allow air, water, and nutrients to reach the grass roots.
We have aerators available for rent so you can easily check this off your to-do list!

Overseeding:

Choose a high-quality grass seed mix that’s well-suited to your lawn’s sun exposure and soil conditions.
Broadcast the grass seed evenly over the lawn, paying extra attention to bare or thin areas.
Rake the soil lightly to cover the seeds, ensuring good seed-to-soil contact.

Fertilizing:

Apply a slow-release fertilizer to nourish the soil and grass.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for application rates. Over-fertilizing can lead to excessive growth and potential winter damage.

Watering:

Water the newly overseeded areas immediately after seeding to ensure the seeds make good contact with the soil.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not saturated to aid in germination and establishment.

Maintenance:

Avoid mowing until the new grass is at least 3 inches tall to prevent damaging the young plants.
Gradually increase mowing height as the new grass establishes itself.
Keep the lawn well-watered as needed throughout the fall.

Dethatching (If Necessary):

If your lawn has a thatch layer thicker than ½ inch, consider dethatching before overseeding.
We’ve got dethatchers at Carl’s that are available to rent or purchase!

Garden Maintenance:

Preparing your garden for the changing seasons has multiple benefits. It will help protect existing plants, prepare the soil for next year, and even extend your growing season. Some of the specifics will depend on what you’re growing, but here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Harvesting: Gather the last of your summer crops and clear out any spent plants. The STIHL HSA 26 garden shears make cleaning up around the garden and trimming any ornamental plants a breeze.
Planting: Consider planting cool-season crops like kale, spinach, and garlic for a fall harvest.
Mulching: Add a layer of mulch to garden beds to protect plants from cooler temperatures and conserve moisture.

Tree and Shrub Care:

This period marks the transition from the active growing season to the dormancy period. Proper care now sets the stage for healthy and resilient plants in the upcoming seasons. Plus it gives you the opportunity to remove branches that may become a hazard down the line.

Pruning: Trim dead or damaged branches from trees and shrubs to encourage healthy growth. The STIHL GTA 26 is compact and easy-to-use; it’s the perfect tool for tidying up shrubs, hedges, and small trees. For heavier-duty tasks involving cutting through small limbs and trees, the STIHL MS 250 chainsaw gives you the power you need without weighing you down.
Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of trees and shrubs to insulate roots and retain moisture.
Transplanting: If needed, transplant trees or shrubs to more suitable locations while the weather is still mild.

Leaf Management:

Keeping up with the leaves can feel futile at points, but it’s not just a matter of curb appeal. Managing the leaves is essential for maintaining the health of your lawn, garden, and overall outdoor environment.

Leaf Removal: Regularly rake/remove fallen leaves from lawns, paths, and garden beds to prevent mold and discourage pests. This will also promote healthy lawn growth. The STIHL BG 50 is perfect for clearing leaves and debris around your property, and with its impressive power-to-weight ratio, you can get the job done without straining your arms or your back. Got a bigger job to tackle? STIHL’s backpack blowers up the power and maximize comfort so you pros won’t get bogged down during your fall cleanups.
Clear Gutters: Odds are some leaves (and other variations of debris) have found their way into your gutters. Cleaning out gutters and downspouts helps prevent clogs and water damage during the rainy season.

Home Exterior:

Pressure washing in the fall helps remove dirt, grime, moss, mildew, and other debris that can accumulate on outdoor surfaces throughout the year. By cleaning these surfaces before winter sets in, you prevent buildup from worsening during the wetter and colder months. Make sure you choose the appropriate pressure setting and nozzle for each surface to avoid damage!

We have several pressure washer models available to rent at Carl’s Mower & Saw. Stop by and we’ll recommend the best model for your needs!

Exterior Cleaning: Pressure wash siding, walkways, driveways, decks and pathways to remove dirt and grime that have built up over the year.
Fences: Clean fences to remove dirt and mold that can accumulate and discolor the wood. Pressure washing can help extend the lifespan of your fence. This is also a great time to inspect fences and other outdoor structures for repairs or maintenance needs.

September is the perfect opportunity to prepare your yard for the changing seasons, and having the right tools at hand can make all the difference. From powerful blowers and chainsaws to aerators and pressure washers, you’ll find all of the equipment to help you power your outdoors year-round at Carl’s Mower & Saw!

About

Since 1990 Carl’s Mower & Saw has been a family-owned business helping homeowners and professionals in Whatcom, Skagit and the Western Washington area power their outdoors with the best in outdoor power equipment sales and service. We’re proud to carry top brands including Ariens, Exmark, Gravely, Honda, Husqvarna, STIHL, and even more than that, we’re proud of our reputation for excellence in customer care, sales, and equipment servicing.