FALL LAWN CARE 

Preparing your lawn to withstand the winter
dormant season is the best thing to do to give your lawn a head start next
spring.  Proper fertilization, adding organic matter, overseeding and
natural pest control are the basis for fall lawn care. 

Using a fertilizer with a balanced N-P-K ratio
or slightly elevated potassium (K) level is recommended in late September,
October, and November.  A fertilizer high in potassium) will make the grass
hardier and more able to handle the dormant season.  A fertilizer high in
nitrogen (N) may cause a growth burst but does nothing for the roots which need
to be strong to help the grass have lush growth next spring.  Using a
fertilizer with a balanced N-P-K ratio or slightly elevated potassium (K) level
is recommended in late September, October, and November. 

Adding organic matter, either dry or as a
compost tea is very beneficial to the soil.  I f you have healthy soil the
lawn will take care of itself.  You can buy organic additive blends or use
your own compost.  If you are buying organic fertilizers or additives be
sure to include worm castings and alfalfa meal as part of the mix.  Worm
castings, alfalfa and other organic inputs feed and promote beneficial microbes
and fungi that feed the organisms that breakdown the soil and provide readily
available nutrients for the lawn and garden. Organic matter will increase soil
loam and speed up the soil food web cycle.  The soil food web refers to all
the biological activity in the soil from microbes to earthworms that play a key
role in providing nutrients to plant matter, insects and small animals. 

One of the most common lawn pests are grubs. 
Combating grubs with beneficial nematodes in the fall will prevent skunks from
digging up the lawn in the spring.  Nematodes can be applied as long as the
soil temperature is above 10 Celsius.  Nematodes are also beneficial for
killing leatherjacket larvae.  Leatherjacket larvae adults (craneflies)
emerge in September to mate and lay eggs. Apply nematodes after the flight of
adults – late September to October when the larvae are young and easier to
control.  Success of nematode application is greatly enhanced by heavy
watering or rain.  Moisture allows the nematodes to migrate through the
soil  to hunt down grubs. 

This is the best time of the year to overseed. 
Grass can germinate faster with the cool nights and developing grass doesn’t
have to compete with crabgrass or other weeds that are more aggressive in
spring.  As long as the grass becomes established it will overwinter and
start growing in the spring as soon as the ground warms up.  It is
important to fill in bare patches to prevent weed seeds from finding a place to
germinate.  Aerating and /or raking before seed application will increase
the germination success rate.

 grubs                            
leatherjacket                         
cranefly

There's one good thing about snow, it makes your lawn look as
nice as your neighbors. ~ Clyde Moore