Preparing your lawn for the upcoming season begins with research and planning; it really is the best way to protect your lawn for future climate changes. Today, we look forward to Autumn 2015 and have called upon The Old Farmer’s Almanac to forecast future weather conditions. August is predicted to be sunny, hot, and have its fair share of thunderstorms. As for September, rainy weather and cool temperatures are the trend. Basically, you don’t have to fret about not having time to prepare your lawn (yet).

In the meantime, following these fall lawn care tips will set you up for future green lawn success.

• Keep the height of the yard’s grass between 2” and 2 ½” throughout the fall.
  If your lawn grows taller than that, there is a chance that an unexpected snowfall will mat the grass down. Matted grass usually results in molded yards, which will be difficult to combat when warmer weather reappears.
• Watering your lawn should still be a part of your lawn care plan, even as the temperatures drop.
  Grass still needs water to grow. Keep watering your lawn until the ground freezes. Also, don’t forget to clear out your irrigation system when the temperature starts to drop. Frozen water can wreak havoc on your pipes and sprinkler heads.
• Now is the time to seed and sod your lawn.
  In Minnesota, cool-season species of grass are the most practical choices. Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, fine fescues, and tall fescues are tried and true options in the upper Midwest. However, you shouldn’t seed and sod after mid-September – it’s just too cold.
• Fertilizing your lawn properly will also protect your grass through winter.
  You should scatter the final round of fertilization in your lawn in mid-October. When you choose your fertilizer, you may be drawn towards types that have large amounts of phosphorus. However, you might not need that much phosphorus. Test your soil to find out what nutrients are lacking – this will ensure you provide the right amount of phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen your grass needs while in hibernation mode.