With cooler temperatures arriving in Statesboro, it’s tempting to put the mower away and forget about the lawn until spring. But there are still a few things worth doing now. If you have Bermuda, Zoysia or Centipede grass, resist the temptation to give the lawn a big dose of nitrogen fertilizer. You may see bags labeled “winterizer” on the shelves this time of year, but that doesn't necessarily mean your lawn needs one. Many winterizer fertilizers are high in nitrogen, which can encourage new growth when warm-season grasses should be preparing for winter dormancy. If a soil test shows your lawn is low in potassium, a potassium application may help improve winter hardiness. Otherwise, let your Centipede or other warm-season grass slow down naturally and save the nitrogen fertilizer for next spring.

There is still plenty to do outside. Keep mowing while the grass is growing, but don't cut off more than one-third of the blade at a time. As always, we recommend mulch-mowing so that the nutrients already in the grass blades are fed back into the soil. Clean leaves and debris from the lawn, pull weeds, check your irrigation system and consider a fall pre-emergent to help prevent winter weeds.

Fall is also a great time to take care of your lawn equipment. Clean your mower, string trimmer, edger and blower, check blades and filters, and take care of needed maintenance while the equipment isn't being used as often. Or bring it to the shop and let us handle it for you. A little preparation now will make getting back to work in the spring much easier.

Finally, we have a few mowers left from last year's stock and are letting them go at deep-discount prices. If you are considering a zero-turn mower, now is the best time to buy. As an example, we have the Stihl RZ152 priced at $4,499. That's $1,300 off retail! AND for a limited time - we'll throw in a free light kit and arm rests!  You won't find a better deal anywhere.