Leaves will be falling from the trees this month as the shorter and cooler days set in. Don’t allow the leaves to build up on the lawn. The grass may still have some green in it so it needs to receive sunlight and air. If the leaves build up, they can still damage the lawn even while it is going dormant.

This is also a great time to take a soil sample to find out if the pH and nutrient levels in the soil are where they need to be for the best growth of the lawn. Soil testing is free (except for the postage), as long as the samples are received before the test lab closes for Thanksgiving. After Thanksgiving each box costs $4 to be tested. That is still very inexpensive, but not as good as free.

Soil sample boxes and forms can be picked up at the following locations. Please call ahead to make sure they have a supply on-hand. In Beaufort: Ace Hardware 252-728-3111, In Morehead: The Friendly Market Nursery 252-515-4671, Seventy West Landscape Supply 252-222-4446. In Newport: Newport Garden Center 252-223-4120, Carolina Home & Garden 252-393-9004. In Cedar Point: Western Office Carteret County Government 252-222-5833. Make sure to pick up the box and the form.

Or, visit N.C. Cooperative Extension - Carteret County Center, in the CMAST/NC State Building, 303 College Circle, Morehead City. Take the elevator to the 3rd Floor and pick up a box and form in the bookcase.