Fall Lawn Efforts = Biggest Payback

August 2012 was very dry and our lawns did not respond well to the harsh punishment. Many have bare spots, are riddled with weeds, or just consist of compacted dirt. Fall lawn care is the most effective and efficient use of resources for a great 2013 growing season.

To successfully manage a lawn, there are a few key objectives. A dense lawn will
most effectively dissuade weeds. And a lawn with a deep root system allows it to
endure during drought stress. By affecting turf density and root depth during
September and October, you can do more to impact how your lawn will look and
perform next year than at any other time of the year. 

To nurture a thick, green lawn for the 2013 growing season, consider the following tasks:

• Correct the soil pH. Turf grass grows best in a pH of 6.5 to 7.2.
• Aerate to address compaction, allowing oxygen and nutrients to reach the roots and encourage them to grow more deeply. 
• After aeration it is helpful to distribute half-inceh layer of compost.
• Overseed to fill in the bare spots and make the lawn more dense.
• Fertilize in October with a blend which will promote root growth. If you only fertilize once per year, it's widely accepted that October is the best time.

One of my company's missions is to encourage organic landscape care. With organic lawn care, the tasks above are not optional for lush, green turf. Additional components for organic lawn care include:

• During aeration and/or slice seeding, we like to spread a rhizosphere bacteria to inoculate the lawn and give the soil microbial activity a boost.
• Apply beneficial nematodes to control grub worms and other insects which are harmful to turf.

Gardens by the Yard is currently organizing this lawn renewal work for our customers.  If we can help you with any of these tasks, please let us know. You can email me directly at leisha@marcoccio.com.