As the cooler temperatures of fall approach it is time to consider applying lawn fertilizer and trying again to control weeds.

Lawn fertilizer can be applied any time from early September to the early part of October. Fertilizing too late into the fall can stimulate late season growth and increase the chance of snow mold damage next spring. The rate of fertilizer application should not exceed 1 pound of actual nitrogen per 1000 square feet of lawn area. This would be 4 pounds of a (25-4-4) fertilizer or 6 pounds of a (18-24-6) fertilizer. You may consider using a winterizing or complete fertilizer such as (18-24-6) if you want to improve the root system of your lawn or have a soil which is low in phosphorus.

The fall conditions also allow the weeds to continue their active growth. The more actively growing a weed is, the more effective the weed control. Most broad leaved weeds such as Dandelions, Clover, Chickweed and Creeping Charlie can be controlled by using one of the many different lawn weed killers. Don't water or cut your lawn for a few days after applying of the weed killer. The chemical needs time to be absorbed down into the plant from the leaves. If crab grass has been a problem this year, your best alternative is to apply a crab grass killer with your fertilizer next spring. Crab grass is an annual grass which must grow each year from seed.

Early fall is also a good time to aerate or de-thatch your lawn. Lawns which have been sodded in the last few years can benefit from a yearly aeration. Older lawns in which the soil has become compacted can also be improved by aeration. If the thatch layer is greater than 1/2" deep, de-thatching or power raking is recommended.

If your lawn is thin or you are planting a new lawn, September 15 is the cut off date for planting. Lawn grass needs a certain period of time to become established well enough to survive the winter. Sodding can be done until October 1.

This page was last updated April 2003

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