- 1. Rake regularly<\/a><\/li>
- 2. Keep watering until the ground freezes<\/a><\/li>
- 3. Dethatch, if needed\u00a0<\/a><\/li>
- 4. Aerate compacted soil<\/a><\/li>
- 5. Overseed before the first frost\u00a0<\/a><\/li>
- 6. Test your soil, if needed<\/a><\/li>
- 7. Fertilize for vigorous growth<\/a><\/li>
- 8. Control weeds with herbicide<\/a>
- Pre-emergent herbicide<\/a><\/li>
- Post-emergent herbicide<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- 9. Plan your final mow of the season<\/a><\/li>
- 10. Winterize your irrigation system<\/a><\/li>
- 11. Put gardens to bed<\/a><\/li>
- Call in a pro<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
1. Rake regularly<\/span><\/h2>
![\"2](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_autumn-212733_1280-1.jpg\")
Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Raking just once won\u2019t cut it in Dayton! With all our deciduous tree leaves, you\u2019ll need to rake leaves every three to four days <\/strong>to keep your lawn healthy. <\/p>
When dead leaves build up on your lawn, they block sunlight, water, and air from reaching your grass. This can cause:<\/p>
- Disease and fungal growth<\/li>
- Soil compaction<\/li>
- Pest infestations\u00a0<\/li>
- Dead grass<\/li> <\/ul>
Raking regularly keeps your soil oxygen-rich and your grass healthy for next year. <\/p>
Don\u2019t throw away your leaves! Either compost<\/a> your leaves to give your grass a healthy layer of organic matter in spring, or mow them<\/a> and leave them on your grass to decompose. They\u2019ll act as a natural mulch and give your soil a nutrient boost.<\/p>
2. Keep watering until the ground freezes<\/span><\/h2>
The weather may be cooler, but your grass still needs to hydrate. A big secret to lawn success in Dayton? Since we grow cool-season grasses here, fall and spring (not summer!) are the most productive growing seasons. Give your grass 1 to 1\u00bd inches of water per week<\/strong> for fall success. <\/p>
Stop watering after the first freeze<\/a>, which normally occurs between mid-October and mid-November in Dayton. <\/p>
Irrigation tips:<\/strong><\/p>
- Water in the morning before 10 a.m. to minimize evaporation from the midday sun. Don\u2019t water at night, as this can invite pests and cause disease.\u00a0<\/li> <\/ul>
- Water your lawn deeply and infrequently (once or twice a week) to encourage a deep, dense root system. Shallow, frequent waterings keep grass roots near the soil surface, which makes your grass weaker and less drought-resistant.\u00a0<\/li> <\/ul>
- Don\u2019t water when daytime temperatures drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. This can cause a sheet of ice to form overnight, which results in grass getting matted or suffocating<\/a>.<\/li> <\/ul>
3. Dethatch, if needed <\/span><\/h2>
![\"Illustration](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/thatch-illustration.jpg\")
Infographic by Juan Rodriguez<\/figcaption><\/figure> If your lawn has a thick layer of spongy brown matter between the grass and the soil, your lawn needs to be dethatched. <\/p>
Dethatching<\/a> is like a dandruff treatment for your lawn. It\u2019s the process of vigorously raking up excess thatch (the layer of dead grass, leaves, and other organic matter between grass blades and the soil surface) to give grass roots access to water, oxygen, sunlight, and nutrients.<\/p>
The problem with excess thatch:<\/strong> While a thin layer of thatch is a healthy insulator for your soil, a layer over half an inch thick acts as a barrier against sunlight, water, and nutrients. It diminishes soil quality and stifles root growth. <\/p>
How to remove thatch:<\/strong> Deeply rake your lawn using a manual dethatcher, electric dethatcher, power rake, or verticutter. If you\u2019re dethatching a small area with a mild thatch problem, use a manual dethatcher. If you have a large lawn with a serious thatch problem, a power rake or verticutter is the way to go.<\/p>
Why dethatch in fall:<\/strong> Dethatching is an intense lawn process that can stress your grass. When you dethatch in early fall, your cool-season grass is actively growing and can recover quickly before winter.<\/p>
How often should I dethatch?<\/strong> Dethatching is only necessary when thatch is over half an inch thick. If you keep your lawn healthy with regular mowings, waterings, and fertilizer applications, you should only have to dethatch every few years. <\/p>
4. Aerate compacted soil<\/span><\/h2>
![\"illustration](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/rsz_aeration.png\")
<\/figure> If dethatching is like a dandruff treatment for your lawn, then aeration<\/a> is like a facial that opens up your soil\u2019s pores. Aeration is the process of poking holes in your soil to alleviate compaction and increase the flow of nutrients.<\/p>
Aeration: <\/strong><\/p>
- Gives grass roots space to spread<\/li>
- Encourages dense, green grass growth<\/li>
- Reduces harmful runoff<\/li>
- Increases your grass\u2019s resistance to disease<\/li>
- Makes your grass more drought tolerance<\/li>
- Cuts down on fertilizer needs<\/li>
- Increases the population of beneficial soil organisms (like earthworms)<\/li> <\/ul>
Unlike dethatching, aeration isn\u2019t just a fix to a problem. It\u2019s a healthy, preventative lawn care practice. For Dayton\u2019s Miamian soil<\/a>, it\u2019s a good idea to aerate every year or every other year. <\/p>
When to aerate:<\/strong> Like dethatching, aeration is temporarily stressful for your grass. Aerating in fall gives your grass time to recover and minimizes weed growth. (Weeds love to grow into the holes if you aerate in spring.)<\/p>
If your lawn has both a thatch and a compaction problem, you\u2019ll need to dethatch and aerate. When you\u2019re doing both, always dethatch before you aerate. It\u2019s much easier to aerate your soil once the thatch is gone. <\/p>
Pro Tip:<\/strong> To promote grass recovery, fertilize your lawn one week prior to aeration. It\u2019s a great idea to overseed your lawn after aeration while the soil is open.<\/p>
5. Overseed before the first frost <\/span><\/h2>
Remember that fall is an important growth period for cool-season grass? That comes in handy when you need to patch up your yard from a summer of kickball and barbeques! In Dayton, you can grow fresh grass in fall to fill in bare patches for a dense, even spring lawn.<\/p>
What is overseeding?<\/strong> Overseeding is the process of spreading more seeds over your existing lawn to fill in spotty areas with new growth.<\/p>
When to overseed: <\/strong>Spread seeds in early fall (at least 45 days before the first frost of the year) to give grass time to establish and grow deep roots before going dormant. Dayton\u2019s first frost usually occurs in late October, so overseed in early to mid-September<\/strong>. <\/p>
What grass should I use to overseed?<\/strong> For Dayton\u2019s midwestern climate, it\u2019s best to overseed with tall or fine fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, or ryegrass, or a mixture of these varieties.<\/p>
6. Test your soil, if needed<\/span><\/h2>
![\"illustration](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/rsz_1soil-ph.jpg\")
<\/figure> Soil quality and nutrient levels change over time, and it\u2019s important to know what soil amendments<\/a> your lawn needs for healthy grass growth. <\/p>
For example, Ohio soil is often clay-heavy and acidic, so many homeowners need to amend their soil with compost and lime or wood ash (but you\u2019ll need a soil test to know exactly what your lawn specifically needs). <\/p>
A soil test will tell you:<\/strong><\/p>
- Your soil\u2019s nutrient levels and deficiencies<\/li>
- Salt levels (salinity)<\/li>
- pH imbalances (acidic, alkaline, or basic)<\/li>
- Soil factors that might be suppressing plant growth<\/li>
- The ideal fertilizers and soil amendments you can add to balance your soil and increase nutrient levels for healthy grass growth<\/li> <\/ul>
Test your soil every three to five years. Check out the Ohio State University Extension\u2019s list of soil labs<\/a> where you can send your samples for testing. <\/p>
7. Fertilize for vigorous growth<\/span><\/h2>
![\"Man](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/rsz_pixnio-47945-800x531-1.jpg\")
Amanda Mills, USCDCP | Pixnio<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Fall is the ideal time to apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to your cool-season lawn.<\/p>
According to Purdue University<\/a>, applying fertilizer:<\/strong><\/p>
- Helps grass recover from damage and stress<\/li>
- Keeps grass growing densely (unfertilized grass gradually loses its density)<\/li>
- Prevents weed encroachment<\/li>
- Protects grass\u2019s rich green color<\/li>
- Improves grass\u2019s tolerance to heat, drought, and cold weather<\/li>
- Increases disease and pest resistance<\/li>
- Prepares turf for winter<\/li>
- Does all this without an unsustainable growth surge<\/li> <\/ul>
What is N-P-K? <\/strong>N-P-K refers to the fertilizer\u2019s ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (the three most essential soil nutrients). For example, a fertilizer with a ratio of 26-0-12 contains 26% nitrogen, 0% phosphorus, and 12% potassium. <\/p>
What\u2019s the best N-P-K ratio for my lawn?<\/strong> Your soil test will tell you the ratio of nutrients your lawn needs, so you can choose a fertilizer that addresses your lawn\u2019s nutrient deficiencies.<\/p>
Consult your soil report to see how much fertilizer is recommended for your lawn. It\u2019s a good idea to fertilize your lawn on a regular schedule, two to four times per year: In early spring, mid-spring, early autumn, and late autumn.<\/p>
If you\u2019re not satisfied with your grass\u2019s growth, you may want to opt for four applications of fertilizer per year. However, note that the more nitrogen you apply to your lawn, the more frequently you\u2019ll need to mow.<\/p>
8. Control weeds with herbicide<\/span><\/h2>
![\"Person](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/rsz_1shutterstock_1492358741.jpg\")
Shutterstock<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Pre-emergent herbicide<\/span><\/h3>
Want to prevent weeds from rearing their heads in spring? Apply a pre-emergent herbicide in fall to stop weed seeds from germinating during the winter months. Pre-emergent herbicide creates a chemical barrier on the soil\u2019s surface that prevents weeds from seeing the light of day.<\/p>
Pre-emergent herbicides are excellent at preventing these common Dayton weeds:<\/p>
- Smooth and large crabgrass<\/li>
- Yellow foxtail<\/li>
- Annual bluegrass<\/li> <\/ul>
When to apply pre-emergent herbicide:<\/strong> Early October to late November.<\/p>
Post-emergent herbicide<\/span><\/h3>
While pre-emergent herbicide stops weeds before they start growing, post-emergent herbicide kills existing weeds. If you have persistent perennial weeds, fall is the perfect time to spray them with a post-emergent herbicide. <\/p>
Why spread post-emergent herbicide in fall:<\/strong> As winter approaches, perennial weeds transport carbohydrates from their foliage to their roots to store food. When you apply post-emergent herbicide, the weed absorbs it and transports it with the carbohydrates all the way to the roots. This destroys the plant.<\/p>
Post-emergent herbicides will kill tough perennial weeds like: <\/p>
- Thistle<\/li>
- Buckhorn plantain<\/li>
- Nutsedge<\/li>
- Ground ivy<\/li> <\/ul>
When to apply post-emergent herbicide:<\/strong> Mid-September to early November, while temperatures are still above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. You want to apply post-emergent herbicide while weeds are actively growing. <\/p>
Pro Tip:<\/strong> Overseeding and herbicides don\u2019t mix, as herbicides will kill tender grass sprouts. If you\u2019re applying herbicide, you\u2019ll need to postpone overseeding until spring. Choose which step is most necessary for your lawn this fall.<\/p>
9. Plan your final mow of the season<\/span><\/h2>
Keep on mowing until your grass stops growing! When you notice that your grass isn\u2019t getting longer (usually when daytime temperatures fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit), it\u2019s time to get the mower out one last time. <\/p>
How long should I mow my grass?<\/strong> Cut your grass to either the same length or slightly shorter than usual. The Ohio State University Extension<\/a> recommends that you mow your cool-season turfgrass to a height of 2 inches, rather than the normal 2.5 to 3.5 inches, to prevent snow mold and matting. <\/p>
Just make sure not to scalp your grass by mowing too low. You don\u2019t want to damage your grass right before a tough winter! <\/p>
Follow the one-third rule. <\/strong>Never mow more than one-third of your grass\u2019s length. For example, if your grass is 3 inches high, cut no more than 1 inch off the top. Cutting more than one-third of your grass can stress it and make it more susceptible to pests and disease.<\/p>
![\"illustration](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/rsz_1lawnlove-one-third-rule-illustration.png\")
<\/figure> 10. Winterize your irrigation system<\/span><\/h2>
The last thing you want is to turn on your sprinklers in spring and have water gush everywhere! Winterizing your sprinklers prevents cracked pipes, broken valves, and nonfunctional sprinklers, so you won\u2019t have a massive repair bill in spring. <\/p>
Winterizing your sprinklers<\/a> involves turning off the water supply and then draining (\u201cblowing out\u201d) all water from the system and equipment. This process should be performed in early to mid-October<\/strong> before Dayton\u2019s first hard freeze in late October. <\/p>
Pro Tip:<\/strong> Always wear proper eye protection when winterizing your irrigation system. <\/p>
11. Put gardens to bed<\/span><\/h2>
![\"person](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_1024px-mulch_shredded_yard_waste.jpg\")
Dvortygirl | Wikimedia Commons<\/a> | CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> It\u2019s time to tell your flowers and veggies a story and tuck them into bed (well, the storytelling is optional). Winterizing your garden<\/a> prepares your plants for a cold winter and protects them from disease, weeds, and pests.<\/p>
How to winterize your garden:<\/strong><\/p>
- Clean out dead annuals and weeds to prevent disease and pest infestations.\u00a0<\/li> <\/ul>
- Divide overgrown perennials so they don\u2019t compete for space and nutrients come spring.\u00a0<\/li> <\/ul>
- Add soil amendments (like rich compost) that will decompose over winter. In spring, nutrient-rich soil will encourage plant growth.<\/li> <\/ul>
- Trim shrubs and perennial plants.\u00a0<\/li> <\/ul>
- Prevent snow damage by tying arborvitae, shrubs, and other perennials with jute or twine.<\/li> <\/ul>
- Insulate the soil bed with a 1- to 4-inch layer of mulch. This will regulate soil temperatures and stop plants from growing too soon if there are a few warm days in winter.<\/li> <\/ul>
- Water plants a final time before daily temperatures dip below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.<\/li> <\/ul>
Call in a pro<\/span><\/h2>
With plenty of fall color, Dayton lawns are nothing if not dynamic, but that also means they require some extra TLC. Start thinking about your fall checklist in early September to get your lawn prepared in time for winter, so you aren\u2019t stuck maniacally spreading seed, raking, and singing your veggies a lullaby at once.<\/p>
If you don\u2019t know the front end from the back of an aerator, or if you\u2019d rather spend some quality time with friends and family at a Flyers game, you can call a local team of lawn care pros<\/a> to do the mowing, raking, and winterizing for you. Kick up your feet, enjoy a delicious buckeye (or nine), and let a pro handle all your fall lawn care.<\/p>
- Water plants a final time before daily temperatures dip below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.<\/li> <\/ul>
- Insulate the soil bed with a 1- to 4-inch layer of mulch. This will regulate soil temperatures and stop plants from growing too soon if there are a few warm days in winter.<\/li> <\/ul>
- Prevent snow damage by tying arborvitae, shrubs, and other perennials with jute or twine.<\/li> <\/ul>
- Trim shrubs and perennial plants.\u00a0<\/li> <\/ul>
- Add soil amendments (like rich compost) that will decompose over winter. In spring, nutrient-rich soil will encourage plant growth.<\/li> <\/ul>
- Divide overgrown perennials so they don\u2019t compete for space and nutrients come spring.\u00a0<\/li> <\/ul>
- Clean out dead annuals and weeds to prevent disease and pest infestations.\u00a0<\/li> <\/ul>
- Don\u2019t water when daytime temperatures drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. This can cause a sheet of ice to form overnight, which results in grass getting matted or suffocating<\/a>.<\/li> <\/ul>
- Water your lawn deeply and infrequently (once or twice a week) to encourage a deep, dense root system. Shallow, frequent waterings keep grass roots near the soil surface, which makes your grass weaker and less drought-resistant.\u00a0<\/li> <\/ul>
- Water in the morning before 10 a.m. to minimize evaporation from the midday sun. Don\u2019t water at night, as this can invite pests and cause disease.\u00a0<\/li> <\/ul>
- Post-emergent herbicide<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- 2. Keep watering until the ground freezes<\/a><\/li>