3 Tips for Fall Lawn Care

September through October is the best time of the year to renovate lawns and prepare turf for winter. The warm days of autumn help grass seed germinate, while the cool evenings help fend off disease.

These three easy tips will help you create a lush, green carpet of grass that will be the envy of the neighborhood.

1)   Fertilize Every 30-45 Days

Lawns are very hungry right now from the stress of summer. Make three applications of high-nitrogen, slow-release fertilizer like Scotts Turf Builder Fall Lawn Food between early September and early December, spaced four to six weeks apart.

The goal is the give your lawn a really good meal before winter sets in. This will help the grass better survive cold temperatures, wind, and low precipitation. Also, it will help it green up faster in the spring.

2)   Attack Pesky Weeds

If perennial weeds like dandelions and clover have been taking over the lawn during the summer, September is one of the best times to get rid of these pests. Herbicides, either in the form of a spray or as part of a granular fertilizer like Winterizer Weed & Feed, will help kill the weeds that may have invaded the yard during the summer.

Carefully read and follow application instructions. Spray products should be applied on wind-free days when temperatures are moderate. Granular products will need to be watered in after application.

3)   Fill in The Bare Spots

When it comes to filling in bare spots in your lawn, it’s best get grass seed growing as early as possible. This will give it plenty of time to germinate, grow, and establish before winter.

The fastest and easiest way to fill in and repair bare spots in a lawn is with an all-in-one mixture like Scotts EZ Seed. This easy-to-use product contains seed, starter fertilizer and mulch. All you have to do is lightly cultivate the bare spot with a garden rake, spread the seed mixture, and keep it watered. You’ll have new grass in record time!

For more information, visit your local Westlake Ace Hardware and speak to a lawn and garden specialist. Westlake offers a wide variety of fall lawn care products: grass seed, lime, fertilizers, mowers, lawn care equipment, hoses, and lawn watering devices.

Visit the Ace Hardware Lawn & Garden Section