Hi, I'm Isaac, the owner of Ready 2 Mow here in Seminole. With October wrapping up, I've been thinking about what yards around Seminole, Largo and the beaches need next. November is one of my favorite months to work outside. It's cooler, the air is drier, and lawns don't grow as crazy fast as they do in summer. But "slower" doesn't mean "stopped." Here's the simple checklist I use to keep yards looking good as we head into the holidays.
1. Keep mowing, just not as often
St. Augustine and other Florida grasses keep growing in the fall, just at a slower pace. A lot of yards that needed mowing every week in summer can stretch out a little longer now. The best way to tell is to look at the grass, not the calendar. If it looks shaggy or uneven, it's time.
When you do mow, follow the one-third rule: never cut off more than about a third of the blade at once. If the grass got tall while you were busy, bring it down a little at a time over a couple of mows instead of scalping it all at once. Scalped grass turns brown and takes a long time to bounce back when it's growing slowly.
2. Don't drop your mowing height too low
It's tempting to cut short so you don't have to mow as often. I don't recommend it. Taller grass shades the soil, holds moisture better and helps crowd out weeds on its own. St. Augustine especially likes to be left on the taller side. Keep your mower set high and let the lawn stay thick and healthy.
3. Check your watering
Cooler weather usually means your lawn needs less water than it did in summer. If your sprinklers are still on a summer schedule, you might be overwatering, which can lead to soggy spots and fungus. Watch your lawn instead: if the blades start to fold or curl and footprints stay pressed in, it's thirsty. If the ground stays squishy, it's getting too much. Always follow your city or county watering rules, since those can change.
4. Stay on top of leaves and fronds
Fall is when oaks, palms and seagrapes in our area start dropping more leaves, fronds and pods. A thick layer of leaves sitting on the grass blocks sunlight and traps moisture, and that can leave thin or yellow patches underneath. Blowing or raking every week or two keeps the lawn breathing. Bag the debris or set it aside so it doesn't wash into the street or storm drains.
5. Hand pull weeds while it's comfortable outside
November is a great time to hand weed flower beds because it's not as hot. Pull weeds after a rain or a good watering when the soil is soft, and grab them low at the base so the roots come out too. Getting them before they flower and drop seeds saves you a lot of work later.
6. Light shrub shaping before the holidays
If your hedges and shrubs got overgrown during the summer, a light trim now helps the front of your house look neat for guests. Keep it light, though. Taking off just the shaggy new growth is better than cutting deep into the bush. If a plant is flowering or about to, it may be best to wait and ask before trimming it.
7. Clean up the edges
Sharp edges along driveways, sidewalks and beds make a yard look finished, even when the grass isn't growing much. Edging every few mows keeps grass from creeping over the concrete. Then blow the clippings back onto the lawn so walkways stay clean.
8. Walk your yard before guests arrive
With Thanksgiving coming up, take a quick walk around your yard. Look for fallen branches, broken sprinkler heads, piles of leaves in corners and anything that might trip someone on the way to your door. Fixing small things now beats rushing the morning company shows up.
Need a hand this November?
If you'd rather spend your time on holiday plans instead of yard work, I'd be happy to help. Ready 2 Mow handles mowing, edging, blowing, trimming, hand weeding and cleanup, and I haul away the yard debris so you don't have to deal with it. I'm owner-operated and insured, quotes are always free, and I accept all payment types.
Call or text me at (727) 304-7803, or request a free quote online. I serve Seminole, Bay Pines, the Redingtons, Madeira Beach, Indian Shores, Indian Rocks Beach, Kenneth City, Largo and west St. Pete.
Thanks for reading!
Isaac, Ready 2 Mow