As the leaves begin to change color and fall gently to the ground, you know that autumn is on its way. Naturally, this means it's time to start prepping your lawn for fall care. But what does that entail? Well, it points toward readying your zero lawn mowers. Not only do they make short work of your lawn, but they also help to aerate the soil and prevent thatch build-up.

With our handy guide, you'll have your lawn looking gorgeous all season long - no matter what Mother Nature throws your way.

So, let's get started. Here's everything you need to know about prepping your lawn for fall care with a zero turn lawn mower.

 

What Is A Zero Turn Lawn Mower And How Does It Help You Maintain Lawncare?

A zero turn lawn mower is a riding lawn mower designed to give the user greater control and maneuverability while mowing their lawn. Its specialty is its ability to make very sharp turns, which is ideal for cutting around obstacles or getting close to edges and corners.

A zero turn lawn mower serves as a valuable tool in your arsenal, especially if you have larger lawns or more difficult terrain to navigate. It can also save you time and energy, as you won't have to keep stopping and starting your mower to turn around.

 

Tips To Prep Your Lawn With A Zero Turn Lawn Mower For Fall Care

The leaves are falling, and the temperatures are cooling off, which can only mean one thing - it's time to start prepping your lawn for fall! While it may seem daunting, prepping your lawn for fall care with a zero turn lawn mower is quite simple. By following these tips, your lawn will look its best in no time.

1. Mow Regularly In Fall

The first step involves mowing your lawn regularly throughout the fall season. This will help prevent any dead or dying grass from taking over your lawn. It's also important to rake up any leaves that fall on your lawn, as they can suffocate the grass and cause it to die.

You also need to know how to use the zero turn lawn mower properly to do this.

Start by setting the blade height to three inches. This will ensure that you remove any dead or dying grass, while still leaving enough length on the blades to protect the crowns of the grass plants.

Make sure to adjust the mower deck so that it sits at a level position. Doing so will prevent scalping, which can damage the grass.

Lastly, always go in the same direction around the lawn when mowing so that you don't miss any spots and end up with a patchy lawn.

2. Aerate Your Lawn

Next, aerate your lawn to promote healthy growth. This can be done with a simple hand-held aerator or a power aerator. Aerating your lawn improves drainage and allows oxygen and nutrients to reach the roots of the grass.

3. Change Directions When Mowing The Lawn

Mowing your lawn in the same direction every time can cause the grass to grow in a certain direction. To prevent this, change directions when you mow your lawn to keep your grass healthy.

4. Remove Dead Grass And Leaves:

Use a rake or dethatching tool to remove any dead grass, leaves, or debris that may be on your lawn. This will help your lawn breathe and allow new growth in the spring. Removing any weeds growing on your lawn is also a good idea. Weeds can compete with your grass for nutrients and water, so getting rid of them is vital. You can use a weed killer or pull them up by hand.

5. Fertilize Your Lawn

In addition to regular mowing and aeration, it's also important to fertilize your lawn in the fall. Fertilizing your lawn is essential to do in the fall because it keeps grass greener and healthier through the winter. Applying fertilizer in the fall will also help your lawn recover from summer stress and damage. 

To fertilize your lawn, you’ll need to purchase a fertilizer spreader. First, spread the fertilizer over your entire lawn, following the manufacturer’s directions on how much to use. Then, water your lawn after applying the fertilizer to help it absorb into the soil.

It’s important to note that you should never fertilize your lawn right before or after a rainstorm. The rain will wash the fertilizer away before it has a chance to be absorbed into the soil. 

However, if you fertilize your lawn and it rains shortly afterward, reapply the fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s directions.

6. Overseed Your Lawn

Overseeding your lawn is another excellent way to promote healthy growth. This involves spreading grass seed over your existing lawn. It will fill in any bare spots and make your lawn thicker and lusher. 

7. Apply A Herbicide

If you're noticing any weeds in your lawn, be sure to apply a herbicide. This will kill any existing weeds and prevent new ones from sprouting up. Read the label carefully and follow the directions for the best results.

8. Mulch Your Garden

Mulching your garden is a great way to protect your plants from the cold weather. It insulates the roots and prevents them from freezing. Ensure to use a mulch that is specifically designed for use in the fall.

9. Prune Your Trees

Don't forget to prune your trees in the fall if you wish them to grow healthy and strong in the spring. Use the proper pruning techniques for each type of tree by following this video.

 

Taking Care Of Your Zero Turn Lawn Mower

How To Winterize Your Lawn Mower For Winter Storage?

Although it may seem like extra work, taking the time to winterize your lawn mower will pay off come spring. By properly preparing your mower for winter storage, you can help extend its life and avoid costly repairs.

 

Here are a few tips on how to winterize your lawn mower:

 

• Start by giving your mower a thorough cleaning. This includes removing any built-up grass clippings and debris from the deck, engine, and undercarriage. A pressure washer can be helpful for this task.

• Change the oil and filter according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. This will help remove any built-up dirt and debris that could cause engine damage.

• If your mower has a fuel stabilizer, add it to the gas tank to help keep the fuel fresh over winter.

• Now store your mower in a dry, protected area such as a garage or shed. Cover it with a tarp or other breathable material to remove dust and debris.

By following these simple tips, you can help extend the life of your lawn mower and avoid costly repairs down the road. So don’t wait until spring to get your mower ready – start preparing it before winter arrives!

 

Sending Your Lawn Mower To A Service Facility During The Off Season

Another way to keep your lawn mower in good condition is to send it to a service facility during the off-season.

Most service facilities offer a variety of services such as:

Thorough cleanings

• Oil changes

• Filter replacements

• Blade sharpening and balancing

• Belt replacements

Sending your mower to a service facility is a great way to ensure that it is properly maintained and ready to go when spring arrives. So if you don’t have the time or knowledge to do it yourself, take advantage of this option.

With a little bit of care and maintenance, you can help extend the life of your lawn mower and avoid costly repairs down the road.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many benefits to using a zero turn lawn mower. With the ability to quickly and easily maneuver around your lawn, you’ll be able to get the job done in no time. Not to mention, you’ll also be able to save yourself some money on fuel costs. So if you’re looking for a way to make your lawn care easier and more efficient, then consider investing in a zero turn lawn mower.

Also, remember to keep your lawn mower in good condition during the off-season by storing it in a dry, safe place. This will help prolong your lawn mower's life and ensure that it’s ready to go when spring rolls around again. With some preparation, you can easily keep your lawn looking its best all year long.