Turf Tips for Fall

Don’t leave your lawn out in the cold this fall. The best time to feed your lawn is in the fall; which builds up nutrient reserves in the grass. It’s also the best time to do maintenance, as it will ensure a healthy and handsome lawn next spring and summer. The Following is a list of simple tips to follow for great lawn success.

Fertilize your lawn: You will want to fertilize your lawn twice in the fall. Fertilize your lawn once in early fall around Labor Day with a nitrogen-based fertilizer. Fertilize your lawn again after the last time you mow with the same amount of nitrogen. This second feeding is usually done around mid-November.

Use a lawn weed killer: While temperatures are above 65F° and the weeds are still growing, it is a good idea to use a weed killer. In the autumn, weeds prepare for winter by pulling nutrients and starches from their leaves into their roots. By doing this, they also draw herbicides into their root systems, thus more effectively killing the weed. By using a weed killer now, it will help reduce the number of weeds in your lawn next spring.

Rake up any leaves or yard debris: Fallen leaves can smother your lawn and may cause disease problems in the spring. It is best to keep your grass free of fallen leaves or any other yard debris that could harbor disease or smother the grass.

Reseed or plant a new lawn by October 15^th: Fall is an excellent time to renovate a poor quality lawn or establish a new one. Grasses grow rapidly in the cool fall weather and have less competition from germinating weeds. This will also give your lawn a chance to get established before the cold weather hits.

Give your grass one last mowing: Once your grass has stopped growing for the year, mow it to about an inch high. Keeping the grass short will prevent it from matting down as winter approaches. 

 

If you have a gas lawn mower, make sure to drain the old gas out of the lawn mower for winter storage.

Don’t forget to continue watering: Even when the temperature outside cools down, before the rains come you may need to water your lawn. In early fall, it is important to keep a regular watering schedule to insure a healthy and growing lawn.