Help Your Lawn Recover from the Hot, Dry Summer

Here in southeastern Wisconsin brown lawns dotted with vigorous green weeds were a common sight this summer. The high temperatures that arrived early and remained throughout most of the summer along with inconsistent rainfall have stressed our lawns and encouraged weed growth.

Now is the best time to start taming weeds and improve weather-worn lawns. Whether it’s fertilization, weed control or overseeding that your lawn needs, the warm soil and cooler fall temperatures will help you be successful.

Start by evaluating the damage and determine the best course of action for your lawn, your budget
and busy schedule.

Help boost recovery with fall fertilization, Feed lawns in early September and again in mid-October. Regular fertilization helps improve the health and vigor of new, existing and stressed lawns.

Continue to mow high as the grass begins to recover and grow. Set your mower to 3 or 3 ½ inches to encourage deeply rooted grass that is better able to withstand drought, insects and diseases. Mow often, leaving the short clippings on the lawn. These break down quickly adding nitrogen, organic matter and moisture to the soil. A season’s worth of clippings is equal to one fertilization.

Spot treat weeds on lawns that need minimal mending and have only small weed infestations. Wait at least one season to treat new and overseeded lawns. You’ll minimize the use of chemicals and reduce the stress on an already stressed lawn. As always read and follow label directions carefully. See my step-by-step tips for controlling difficult weeds (KanavasLandscape.com/tips) like creeping Charlie, crabgrass, violets, clover
and moss in the lawn.

Check for thatch, a layer of partially decayed grass. Core aerate lawns with more than one half an inch of thatch, those growing in compacted soils, or before overseeding. By removing plugs of soil you break through the thatch and create channels for water and fertilizer to reach the grass roots. It also allows grass seed to reach the soil for better germination.

Repair small dead and bare patches in the lawn. Keep in mind you will need to water newly seeded or sodded areas frequently for successful establishment. For small areas, use an iron rake to loosen the soil surface and remove any dead grass. Sprinkle grass seed and lightly rake. Mulch with straw to conserve moisture.

Thin lawns benefit from overseeding, but keep in mind only about 35% of the seed put down will germinate. The key to success is good seed-to-soil contact. Water thoroughly if the soil is dry. Cut the grass short, rake off and compost long clippings and rake or core aerate the lawn. Fertilize with a low nitrogen fertilizer then spread grass seed over the soil surface. Water often enough to keep the soil moist. Continue to mow the grass short until the seeds sprout and new growth appears. Then raise the mowing height to 3 or 3 ½ inches.

Whether you do the work or hire a reliable landscape management company, your investment of time and money this fall will result in fewer weeds and a healthier lawn next season.