Archive

September:

Control of Broadleaf Weeds in Home Lawns
The fall represents the best time to control perennial broadleaf weeds such as dandelion, plantain, and clover. These weeds are storing energy reserves for the winter in their roots. Thus the herbicide will enter the plant and travel to the roots with the food reserves, thereby giving a complete kill of the weed.

Fertilizing Established Lawns
You may think that you should fertilize your lawn in the spring, but the Purdue experts say fall is better. Spring fertilizing can cause excessive leaf growth and can stimulate disease, weed, and insect activity. Fertilization in the fall encourages better root development and produces a healthier lawn year-round. If you haven't fertilized yet this fall, try an application of quick-release nitrogen from November 1-15 (late fall). View, Fertilizing Established Lawns, AY-22, for more detailed information.

Just Mulch Those Tree Leaves!
The trees are starting to drop their leaves, and it is important to prevent a heavy layer of leaves from building up on your lawn before winter. Heavylayers of tree leaves will shade the grass, and can smother and kill grass yet this fall. Plus, tree leaf-cover favors a damaging winter turf disease called snow mold. The easiest way to dispose of leaves is to simply mow them into the turf.

Turf 101: Why does September Fertilization of Cool-Season Grasses Work?
Fertilizing in September encourages leaf growth only slightly while tremendously enhancing rhizome or stolon, tiller and root production. Therefore, fall fertilization results in denser and healthier turf.

Story Resources

Seeding a Turf Area in the Spring

 

Additional Resources

Agronomy Extension

• Turf Tips
• Turf Publications
• Soil Testing Labs

Ornamental and Turf Insects - Entomology

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