Lawn care for fall
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By Andrew Holsinger
As fall begins and trees lose their leaves, we might notice how well our lawns have done throughout the season. Lawn care continues as we remove leaves from the lawn and complete our last efforts of mowing for the season. Improvement of the lawn can be a great focus for the fall.
If you find yourself wondering how to make your lawn better, evaluation of the cultural components can provide some insight. There as many factors that can affect the lawn such as timing of seeding, seed mixture selection, fertility and pH, soil conditions, slope, and sun vs. shade exposure.
Selecting grass for lawns
Healthy lawns are planned based on the maintenance of the turfgrass. Species selection should be based on the site and use of the lawn. There is great variability not only between species but also cultivars. Some grasses are acceptable of shade conditions while others are not.
Select grass seed from a reputable source and investigate disease resistant selections.
Seeding timing is important
Planting seed at the right time is essential. Some species like Kentucky bluegrass have a longer germination period. It takes time to get establishment of Kentucky bluegrass before frost.
When planning to seed the lawn there is work involved before and after establishment. You want good soil to seed contact for the seed to germinate most effectively. Weather will impact the efforts of establishment. Moisture is required for seedlings to germinate, and you need to plan accordingly.
Optimal dates for seeding grasses are critical to seed as early as possible within the window for both early fall and spring seeding. Waiting to seed delays maturity of the stand in the fall and crabgrass can outcompete in the spring if not seeded early enough before temperatures rise for crabgrass germination.
Herbicide usage
Herbicides are commonly used for treatment of the lawns, but only a few categories of herbicides are available which gives limited rotation to avoid possible resistance.
When preemergence herbicides are applied in the spring they can remain active in the soil for up to 120 days. These chemicals are absorbed by the roots of germinating weeds and turfgrass seedlings alike.
Removing weeds from the turf is a goal that can be achieved with greater success in the fall than in the spring. Weeds are usually competing for resources with the lawn and aren’t thought of nearly as much in the fall.
Removal of weeds by herbicides does come with some restrictions in most cases and can limit their use in seed beds or over new seedlings.
Be sure to know what weeds you are treating for and if your turfgrasses are susceptible to injury. Herbicides can damage turf in the heat. Injury will depend on the type of grass, herbicide used, and conditions.
Scout throughout the year
Pests and diseases can occur throughout the season. White grubs can be found in the lawn now and can be treated if thresholds warrant treatment. If grubs aren’t treated for some mammals may seek to eat the grubs and leave some damage to be repaired.
