Landscaping Tips:

Proper fall care helps ensure healthy lawn next spring

By Justin Moss, director
UW Sheridan Research and Extension Center

            Proper fall lawn care for cool-season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescue and tall fescue is important to ensure a healthy lawn next spring.

            The last mowing will usually occur sometime in September or early October. The mowing height should be between 2 to 3 inches, and be sure the blades are sharp. 

            If possible, mow frequently with a mulching blade, and let the clippings stay in the yard instead of bagging. Try not to remove more than one-third of the leaf material during each mowing.

            Thatch is a tightly intermingled layer of dead and decaying plant material just above the soil surface. The primary component of a thatch layer is turf grass stems and roots. Short grass clippings, dropped on the lawn after mowing, are not the cause of thatch buildup because they break down rapidly in a regularly mowed yard.

            Thatch layers are typically the result of bad cultural practices such as over fertilization and over watering.

            If the thatch layer is thicker than one-half to three-quarters of an inch, it can restrict the movement of air, water, fertilizer and other materials to the roots. Power raking next spring can help reduce the thatch layer if needed. A vertical mowing machine can be rented for larger yards, or small yards can be hand raked.  

            For more severe thatch layers and/or compacted soil, core aeration may be needed. A machine can also be rented for this procedure, or a lawn maintenance company can be hired. 

            Grass generally needs about 3 to 5 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of turf per year. 

            Fall fertilization should occur in early September at the rate of three-quarters to 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet using a slow-release fertilizer containing both nitrogen and potassium. Be sure to use properly calibrated equipment.

            Irrigate the lawn as needed in the fall. Try to water deeply and infrequently in the early morning. Do not irrigate so much at one time that water runs off the surface.

            Autumn is also a good time to think about weed control. Pre-emergent herbicides can be applied in the fall or late winter/early spring. Choose a product labeled for your type of grass. Always read the label when applying pesticides, and use properly calibrated equipment.

                The best defense against a turf disease is to have a nice, healthy lawn. Chemical control can be useful if needed, but proper cultural practices greatly reduce the need for chemicals.             

            If you think you have a turf grass disease, contact a local University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension Service (UW CES) office for identification. Contact information is at http://uwadmnweb.uwyo.edu/UWCES/County_Areas.asp.

            A number of lawn and garden bulletins published by the UW CES are available at http://ces.uwyo.edu/PUBS/Turf/Turf_http://ces.uwyo.edu/PUBS_Main.html

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