Fall Lawn Installation & Maintenance
October 2002
By Mary Bernard, Master Gardener
Fall is the preferred time of year to seed cool season turf grasses such as
fescue, bluegrass, and ryegrass. In October and early
November, temperatures (in the 50 to 70 degree range) and moisture conditions
are most favorable for seed germination and seedling growth. There
is also a lower potential for weed seed germination, diseases and insect
problems.
Environmental conditions will determine the best grass variety to use in your
area. Local temperature, soil condition, humidity,
disease resistance, and drought tolerance are some factors to consider when
selecting grass seed. A knowledgeable nursery
salesperson can help you select the right type of grass.
Laying sod is also an option to seeding a new lawn. Although
you can transplant sod almost any time of year, you must allow several weeks of
favorable temperatures for sod rooting to take place.
Fall is also a good time to perform turf renovation projects such as aerating,
removing thatch, and spot seeding thin or bare areas in existing lawns.
The purpose of aeration is to provide air to the roots of the grass. This is particularly important in highly compacted soils. An aerifier removes a soil core that will allow better air
and water penetration to the root zone. Thatch
accumulation can cause scalping, poor water penetration, and may lead to
increased disease and insect problems. If excessive
thatch accumulation has occurred, vertical mowing is recommended to remove it.
To avoid damage to your irrigation system, be sure to flag sprinklers before
aerifying or vertical mowing. The specialized
equipment required for these procedures can be rented if you wish to perform
these operations yourself, or, if you prefer, a qualified landscape
professional can be hired for the job.
Spot seeding involves a bit of soil preparation to make a good seed bed. Remove any weeds, loosen the soil, and work in additional
soil if needed. Remember to seed a grass similar to the
variety already present in your lawn. Lightly rake the
seed in, then top-dress grass seed to retain moisture. With
favorable temperature, light, moisture, and fertilization those trouble spots
will fill in one to two months.