Autumn Lawn Care

Information on lawn care, including aeration, seeding, and fertilization for cool season grasses was requested.

DIAGNOSIS / RECOMMENDATION: The client was provided with information on timing of various activities and was sent VCE Publications 430-002 (on aeration), 430-011 (on lawn fertilization), current Turfgrass Variety Recommendations; and the current year Lawn Calendar.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Autumn (September, October and November) is the best time for many lawn care activities for cool-season grasses, rather than waiting until the Spring. Ensuring healthy turf before winter helps give better turf in the Spring. Soil testing is always the first step, to be certain the correct fertilization program is followed, without overdoing it [1, 5]. Over-fertilization can lead to runoff and environmental damage. Because the growing conditions in the Autumn are ideal, most lawns will respond quickly to fertilization. But it is important to provide the correct fertilization, based on the soil test results. The variety or mix of varieties best for the specific area and conditions (such as level of shade) also should be considered [1, 2].

Getting the right variety and following the soil test recommendations is just the beginning. Watering properly will help get any newly seeded areas up and growing. Mowing at the proper height (keeping in mind the no more than one-third rule) while avoiding mowing the grass too short should also help. Also, plan for the proper weed control during lawn renovation, improvement, or for newly seeded areas. Once grass is growing well, with a soil-test based fertility program, most weed problems will be minimized.

Any soil that is heavily trafficked is likely to have some degree of compaction that limits its root development. Compaction physically restricts root penetration and reduces soil oxygen levels required for root development. Aeration during the Autumn growth period is a good time to help address those concerns. [1, 4, 6]

Keep in mind that fallen tree leaves on top of the turf will interfere with many of the Autumn lawn care activities, including blocking enough sunlight for good growth. One thing that can be done with the leaves, before seeding or any chemical or fertilizer application, is to simply mulch them back into the lawn [3]. Mulching leaves into the turf is beneficial to the lawn.