We Love Your Style: Lynn Allman

How to Handle Fall Lawn Care

By Cathy Shouse

There’s something satisfying about a well-tended lawn with lush, green blades of grass that feel good between your toes. After a summer of mowing, it can be tempting to slack off in the fall. But here’s the scoop on what your lawn needs instead.

Sheri Ann Richerson, an Indiana author, wrote “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Seed Saving and Starting”, as well as “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Year-Round Gardening”. She is also a homesteader. (https://exoticgardening.com). We asked her a few questions about fall lawn care.

What should homeowners do this upcoming season to keep their lawn healthy?

Richerson: I think the biggest tip is to keep mowing, keep watering, and remove the leaves. Fall is also a good time to get a soil test done if your lawn is showing signs of a problem.

When do you quit mowing, and is it okay to cut grass shorter to minimize the need to mow?

Richerson: A homeowner might not stop mowing until December. They need to watch their grass to see when it stops growing. I know some people might prefer short grass, but six inches is an ideal length. Taller grass helps block out weeds, helps the grass retain its color longer and is healthier.

For those who fertilize their lawn, a final application in October or November is recommended. What problems should we look for this time of year, and how do we know what it means?

Richerson: Mushrooms popping up in grass means it’s too wet. Grass that is turning brown or yellow, bare spots in your lawn or grass that is thinning are several problems that can plague lawns.

Purdue University does soil samples here in Indiana through the extension office. They can tell you what your soil is lacking and what you need to do to fix it.

If someone wants to seed a new lawn or plant to cover bare spots, is fall the time to do it?

Richerson: Fall is for planting! You can plant outdoors if the ground is not frozen. Yes, you can seed grass in the fall. It is best to water new grass two to three times per day for five to ten minutes each time. The soil should be moist before you seed. Ideally, the soil is damp eight inches down before you seed.

Once the grass is growing, you want to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Deeper watering promotes deeper roots.