Fall Lawn Care

Last weekend our organic lawn expert Jamie Dedekian (aka Dekes), presented a talk on reviving turf, and he’ll repeat that talk on Thursday, August 29th at 3 PM. You can see a recording of this talk on our YouTube channel, and in today’s blog we’re reminding everyone why fall is the best time to think about your lawn.

1. Cooler temperatures. In early September when the nights are cooler but the soil is still warm, it’s the ideal time for grass seed to germinate and grow. There are still several weeks until hard frost, so the new plants have plenty of time to build up strength before winter. And since it tends not to be as hot during the day, you might need to water less frequently. (Since every fall is different, monitor the rainfall and temperatures, and keep the freshly applied seeds moist if needed.)
2. Carbo loading! Yes, your turf grass is stocking up on carbohydrates, which the plants store in the base – aka the crown – of the plants and in their roots. That energy is used to keep the plant alive over the winter, and more importantly to push out the new growth next spring. This is why the fall application of fertilizer is the most important one of the year.
3. High mowing. Keeping your lawn 3 inches or higher is always a good practice since the more leaf surface these plants have, the more photosynthesis so the more energy produced. But in the fall it’s especially important so that the plants can store energy. If you’re planning on applying a layer of compost in order to feed the soil and reseed, the grass can be mowed low once to make the spreading of compost easier. More about compost and lawn restoration in this post.
4. Moss? Many people get concerned about moss in the lawn. If you find that moss is taking over parts of your yard, the conditions that favor moss growth need to be addressed. Moss grows on compact soil, in shade, or where there is too frequent irrigation. Read more about moss in lawns here.

Bring your questions about fall lawn care into the store and talk with Nan, Dekes or other staff members in our Garden Room. Or stop by the store at 380 West Main Street in Hyannis, on Thursday, August 29th at 3 PM.