Fall lawn seeding tips
PROTECTED CONTENT
If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.
Username and Password Help
Please enter your email and we will send you a password reset link.
By Andrew Holsinger
Horticulture Educator at University of Illinois Extension
As fall approaches, there is a timely task that can reap benefits as a low-cost input. An established lawn can provide an optimal surface for your landscape activities by the most cost-effective means when planted from seed.
Over time, some may encounter lawn problems that may lead to a lawn that is struggling to look the best. Some problems may be severe enough to consider starting over and planting again. Severe compaction and thatch can be remedied by core aeration before reseeding. Other problems such as heavy weed pressures may require a nonselective herbicide to kill the weeds. It is recommended to overseed to cover the bare spot left by the dead weeds. Be sure to read herbicide labels to give adequate time after application as to not harm the process of seeding.
If you are planning to renovate or install a brand new lawn late summer to early fall is the best time to seed or reseed cool-season turfgrasses. There are several options for cool-season turfgrass including Kentucky bluegrasses, perennial ryegrasses, turf-type tall fescues and fine-leaf fescues. A tall fescue blend is especially useful for high traffic areas or a hot, dry site.
The turfgrass stand is sensitive to timing so it is important to plant during the most optimal times in your area. Seeding turfgrass in Central Illinois can begin between August 15 and September 15 for the most optimum results. Preparation is important to have supplies ready for seeding or overseeding.
A soil test is useful to know what fertilizer should be selected for your site if any at all. Nutrient deficiencies can be corrected, and pH adjusted when preparing the seedbed.
Mechanical seeders such as a drop spreader is recommended to ensure a uniform distribution of seed. All debris should be removed, and the soil tilled to create an adequate seedbed.
After seed has been spread, soil to seed contact can be enhanced by raking lightly and rolling to firm the soil around the seed.
Straw is a useful mulch to conserve moisture but be conservative in application as approximately 50% of the soil should be seen through the weed-free straw layer. With a minimal amount of mulch applied there will not be a need to remove the mulch after germination.
Watering needs to be done on a consistent basis as seedlings are prone to drying out. Water two to four times daily or as required by the weather conditions. As seedlings become established less watering will be needed.
Don’t wait too long to begin mowing a newly seeded lawn. Cool-season turf performs best at a mow height of 3 to 4 inches and avoid removing more than one-third of the leaf blade at any single mowing.
