Fall is prime time for lawn care

Nothing sets off a landscape like a beautiful expanse of lawn. Properly cared for with a minimum of chemical treatments and a conservative watering regimen, it neednt be a resource-hungry ecological disaster.

Fall is prime time for putting in new lawns or thickening the turf with remedial seeding, a dense carpet of sod being the best defense against weeds. Its also the ideal season for fertilizing and liming to encourage deep-rooted, drought-resistant grass.

Here are some seasonal tips to consider: If you fertilize your lawn only once a year, fall is the time to do it. Grass blades grow more slowly as temperatures cool, but roots continue to grow quickly. Fall feeding delivers nutrients to roots that help lawns get off to a healthy start next spring.

Fall is the best season for seeding since grass seedlings have less competition from weeds. Rake bald spots, spread seed with a quick-start fertilizer formula and cover lightly with mulch. Water daily for at least two weeks. Over-seeding established (but thin) lawns will help thicken turf.

Perennial rye and bluegrass have a tough time surviving in our increasingly hot and dry summers. Consider some of the newer fine fescues that take longer to knit into a solid turf but are more resistant to drought, shade and disease.

Continue to mow into November, when growth stops. Grass left long over the winter is more prone to fungus diseases. Mow high (3) and avoid cutting off more than one-third of grass blades at a time to keep turf healthy.

Keep mower blades sharp. Dull blades tear grass blades, promoting yellowing and a ragged appearance. The idea is to cut the grass and not merely scare it.

Some fallen leaves are dense, tough and likely to compact, depriving lawns of air oak and Norway maple leaves, for instance. These should be raked and composted, then added to garden beds. Other, lighter leaves can simply be mowed in place and left to decompose, adding nutrients to the soil. Test soil pH to make sure soil is not becoming too acidic to support healthy lawn growth. Get a Do-It-Yourself kit at the hardware store or visit your county office of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Service (find yours at njaes.rutgers.edu/county). Apply lime as needed.

Soil beneath lawns can become compacted over time by regular foot traffic and use of heavy equipment like riding mowers, or because it is naturally heavy and clay-like. Aerating opens holes in the turf to admit oxygen, water and fertilizer, promoting healthy root growth. Rent an aerator or hire a landscaper to remove cores of soil. Spiked sandals wont make a dent in the problem.

Assess spots where lawn grass fails to thrive. Excessive foot traffic and dense shade make it difficult to grow decent turf. Try paving or groundcovers in locations where grass fails to thrive.

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Fall is prime time for lawn care