Seeding a Lawn In The Fall

Expert Contributor

Matt McGuire, Founder & General Manager Delaware Valley Turf

Expert Contributor, Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors Magazine, Sept. 2018

Seeding a Lawn In The Fall

Fall sowing of turf grass is preferable over spring seeding for one main reason: It is simply a matter of maturation for the grass plant before it endures the summer heat. Fall sowing gives the plant more time to mature.

The best turf grass species for establishing a lawn in our area from seed is Turf Type Tall Fescue. Turf Type Tall Fescue is a perennial species of grass that has been selectively bred over the years to best tolerate the climatic conditions in our area. It is important to read seed labels when purchasing seed. Many seed companies sell turf grass seed that will establish fast but will usually result in a low-quality lawn or field. Avoid seed that contains annual ryegrass, perennial ryegrass or creeping red fescue. These species of seed have their purpose but not for a lawn. Kentucky Bluegrass makes a nice lawn but is very difficult to establish from seed in our area. If you would like a Kentucky Bluegrass lawn, sod is the best option.

Establishing a lawn or renovating a lawn consists of more than spreading seed on the surface. This often results in irregular establishment if any at all. The soil should be first tested for pH and nutrient content. A soil with a low pH, which is common in our area, should be limed so that the soil can adequately provide nutrients to the seedlings.

Aeration and over-seeding is the preferred method to increase density in a lawn. Aeration loosens up the soil and makes a great seed bed. Additionally, aeration increases air exchange in the root zone which is vital for plant health. When the lawn is aerated in the fall, it loosens up the soil during the optimum period when roots grow. Germination increases if the lawn is dragged with a mat to bury the seed and break down the soil that has accumulated on top after aeration. Otherwise, most seed will germinate in the core holes from the aeration plugs. This also results in irregular germination. For new lawns from seed, slice seeding also referred to as slit or power-seeding is effective. These methods typically can damage established lawns.

Finally, a word on watering. A new lawn will rarely establish itself on natural rainfall. It simply does not rain enough to consistently provide the moisture needed for uniform establishment. An irrigation system or a sprinkler monitored to provide water is ideal. For established lawns, a normal fall can usually provide sufficient moisture but there is no guarantee with nature. For best results, it is helpful to contact a professional turf management company to identify the best methods and practices to help your lawn look great year after year. NS

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