Cooperative Extension

Fall Lawn Care Tips and the Steps of Good Lawn Maintenance

A nice lawn does not require hours of labor and large expenditures of money! It's just a matter of understanding the basics of lawn care. Using proper techniques and timing, you can have a lawn that will enhance the beauty and value of your home. The basic ideas in lawn maintenance are: 1) first to get your lawn in good shape, and then 2) maintain it properly.

Soil Test - It is essential to maintain a proper pH level in the range of 6.2 to 6.5 for lawns. Test kits are available through the county libraries or the Extension office. Test soil no later than August in order to receive test results by the time of your first fertilizer application in September.

Prepare Seed Bed - Proper preparation is essential to achieve good seed germination. Core aerate, till, or rake the surface so that there is a good seed to soil contact.

Apply Lime - Lime should be applied according to soil test results. Contrary to popular belief, you CAN add too much lime to your lawn, which may damage it. A simple soil test will tell IF you need to add lime and how much to apply. LIME ONLY IF INDICATED BY A SOIL TEST!

Apply Fertilizer - When establishing new grass, till in 10 lbs per 1000 square feet of 10-10-10 or 20 lbs of 5-10-10. For regular maintenance, use a 4-1-2 ratio fertilizer (i.e., 16-4-8 or 20-5-10)

Seed - Select a good quality tall fescue turf type seed. There is a wide selection available, but try to find or mix your own mixture of at least 3 fescues. If you are seeding over an established area, apply 2-3 lbs per 1000 square feet. If you are establishing a new area, use 4-6 lbs per 1000. For shade, select a fine fescue like creeping red or chewings.

Mulch - Straw mulch or a light textile cover is recommended, especially if you are seeding a slope or bank. Another type of product you can use is called PennMulch - a weedless, biodegradable, recycled newspaper product which swells when wet to cover the seed and keep it moist. No matter what type of mulch you use, you should be able to see at least 50% of ground through the mulch to avoid suffocating the new seedlings.

Irrigation - It is important to maintain good moisture level in the top 1/2 inch of soil to prevent seedlings from drying out. A light sprinkling several times a day for about 2 weeks if there is not adequate rainfall is necessary. It takes at least 30-35 days for seedlings to become well established.

Steps of Good Lawn Maintenance

1. Proper Mowing - Use sharp mower and cut at the height appropriate for your grass (see table below). Recycle your clippings by leaving them on the lawn - this does not cause thatch. Never cut more than 1/3 of the blade of grass at a time.

1. Irrigate - In absence of adequate rainfall, irrigate your lawn with 1 inch of water per week, 1/2 inch twice a week is best. Water deeply , as light watering creates shallow roots and promotes weed growth.
2. Fertilize - Use 4-1-2 ratio fertilizer for good lawn maintenance. Fertilize in September, October and November. (Remember S.O.N.) Here are some FAQs regarding lawn fertilization in Virginia.
3. Control weeds, insects, and disease as needed. Remember if you don't have a problem, don't try to fix it. Spot treat as needed. Refer to our cool season grass and warm season grass maintenance calendars for timings of applications.
4. Improve Soil Texture - Increase organic matter and pore space if needed.
5. Core-aerate and control thatch. Do this in the fall to establish a good seed bed. Dethatch only if thatch exceeds ½ inch thickness.

If you have any questions, call Extension Agent, Mike Likins, at 751-4401 or e-mail at likins@vt.edu .

DISCLAIMER

Commercial products and organizations are named in this publication for information purposes only. The Virginia Cooperative Extension Service, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and Virginia State University do not endorse or warrant these products and organizations and do not intend or imply discrimination against other products or organizations that also may be suitable.

Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, veteran status, national origin, disability, or political affiliation. An equal opportunity/ affirmative action employer. Extension is a joint program of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and state and local governments. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia State University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating.