The Summer can be a stressful time for Virginia lawns, but eventually, the tides turn and the fall will set in. Cooler temperatures and seasonal rain will revitalize any dormant or stressed grass, bringing back its color and vigor. Here are a few things that we recommend for bringing your lawn back to life this fall:
Continue Watering:
As the climate shifts into autumn conditions, temperatures drop and rainfall tends to increase. This predictable climate makes fall the optimal time to reseed your lawn. Continue a 3-4 day deep watering schedule until your lawn has been seeded. You will then transition to a daily watering schedule for seed germination.
Fall Fertilizer:
Applying fall fertilizer to tall fescue lawns is crucial for promoting vigorous growth and ensuring a healthy, resilient lawn. Fall is the optimal time for fertilization because tall fescue, a cool-season grass, enters its peak growing period during this time. Fertilizing in the fall helps to replenish nutrients depleted over the summer, encourages root development, and enhances the lawn's ability to withstand winter stress. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer with an appropriate mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium supports sustained growth and prepares the grass for a lush, green resurgence in the spring. Regular fall fertilization is essential for maintaining the overall health and appearance of tall fescue lawns.
Aeration and Overseeding:
In addition to routine lawn treatments, we always recommend an aeration and reseed after the summer to keep your turf full, thick, and more durable for the next year. Aeration perforates the soil layer pulling a plug of soil giving roots more space to breathe and grow. Seeding your lawn will fill in any spots where grass may have died from summer heat stress. We encourage everyone to plan for a reseed and consider it supplemental maintenance to any lawn program.
Compost Topdressing:
Compost topdressing serves as a supercharger for your lawn. Amending the soil profile with ¼” of compost in the fall has the following benefits:
Improves Soil Structure: Compost adds organic matter to the soil, enhancing its structure, aeration, and drainage. This leads to better root development and overall plant health.
Increases Nutrient Availability: Compost provides a slow-release source of essential nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It enriches the soil, making nutrients more readily available to plants.
Enhances Water Retention: The organic matter in compost helps the soil retain moisture more effectively, reducing the need for frequent watering and promoting deeper root growth.
Reduces Thatch Build-Up: Compost aids in breaking down thatch, a layer of dead grass and roots, preventing it from accumulating excessively. This helps maintain a healthier lawn and improves nutrient uptake.
Supports Microbial Activity: Compost introduces beneficial microorganisms into the soil, which enhance soil fertility, suppress pathogens, and create a more balanced and resilient ecosystem for plants to thrive.
Get ready to bounce back stronger than ever this summer! Sign up and pre-pay in August for any reseed service and get a 5% discount!
If you have any questions, we are always here to help. Shoot us an email at sales@sorensenoutdoor.com or give us a call or text at 540-845-6203.
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