Indiana lawns contain primarily cool-season grasses, which grow best in the cooler temperatures of spring and fall. During the hottest times of year, they may grow very slowly or even go dormant. Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, and fineleaf fescue are common cool-season grasses.
Whether your lawn is thin from the rigors of summer or from neglect, fall is the best time of the year to improve your lawn. Some lawns can be dramatically improved with proper fertilization and weed control in fall; whereas others may need reseeding in some areas or even complete renovation.
Adequate soil moisture, warm soil, and limited weed pressure allow for excellent seedling growth. Between August 15 and September 15 is optimum seeding time in the northern half of Indiana and Illinois, and September 1 to September 30 is optimum in the southern half of Indiana and Illinois.
Consider aerating the lawn area, punching 20 to 40 holes per square ft with the largest tines available. This will increase the seed-soil contact and improve germination and establishment rate. Apply a starter fertilizer (high in phosphorus) over the entire lawn at 1.0 to 1.25 pounds of phosphate per 1000 square ft of lawn.
Next, apply the seed to the lawn with either a drop-seeder or a power over-seeder. Be sure to seed in both directions to adequately cover the lawn area with seed. Mulching the area will prevent erosion and conserve water. Therefore, mulching is most important when it is impossible to adequately irrigate newly-seeded areas.
Water the newly-seeded area three to four times daily in order to keep the soil surface moist. Light, frequent irrigation is the rule during the first few weeks. Frequent mowing will limit the competition from the established turf.
Four weeks after germination, apply 1.0 pound of nitrogen per 1000 square ft of lawn using a fertilizer containing N, P, and K.
Fertilization
Properly fertilized lawns better tolerate stresses such as heat, drought, and cold. Applying the right fertilizer at the correct time helps turf plants accumulate and store the essential plant foods that are used for growth and development.
You should only apply the nutrients your lawn needs. The nutrients plants need in the greatest quantity are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Of these, N has the most impact on established lawns. N promotes green color and overall growth, especially leaf growth. Plants need P and K for strong root and stem growth, which is most crucial when establishing a new lawn
Established lawns will benefit most when you apply the majority of N fertilizer from late summer through autumn. This promotes summer recovery, enhances shoot density, maximizes green color, and prepares the turf for winter, all without a growth surge. To promote maximum density during late summer and early fall (late August through early November), you should apply up to 1 pound of N per 1,000 square feet each month.
For more information on soil testing to help you choose the correct fertilizer, look here.
Other tips to consider to help lower fertilization costs is to return grass clippings during mowing to the lawn. These clippings contain valuable nutrients that can be recycled into the soil. If you must regularly remove clippings when you mow, you may need to increase the amount of N you apply each year by 25 to 50 percent to maintain growth and color.
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