Should You Fertilize Your Lawn in the Fall?

Should You Fertilize Your Lawn in the Fall?

So, should you fertilize your lawn in the fall? According to Berger Hargis Landscape Manager Desmond Corn, the answer is yes.

What the Experts Say

And from Purdue University:

"The best time to do fall fertilization is from August 15th to September 15th because it aligns perfectly with the growth cycle of Indiana cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and fescue." -- Desmond Corn, Berger Hargis Landscape Manager

Purdue and This Old House Agree

"Homeowners may think of spring and summer as the proper time to fertilize a lawn, but many lawns can benefit from additional fertilization in the fall. Taking the time to fertilize in the off-season will strengthen your plants and lawn roots, giving them a strong base on which to thrive next spring." -- This Old House, Fall Fertilizing: Essential Tips To Help Your Yard Grow

So yes, fertilizing your lawn in the fall is highly beneficial, as it helps your lawn recover from summer stress, strengthens roots, and prepares your grass for winter and a healthy spring next year.

"The biggest mistake is not feeding in the fall. For those looking to improve their lawn for next year, at least one fall application is going to benefit the turf." -- Cale Bigelow, Purdue Professor of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture

I Am Ready for Fall. Are You?

Are you ready for some cooler fall weather? Me too. We have dealt with a long, hot, cold, dry, wet summer here in Central Indiana. Well, here is the deal: your lawn has endured the same -- heat, drought, and flooding. And most lawns also face heavy use during summer.

Fertilizing can restore turf density, regenerate roots, and store energy for winter dormancy. This will help your lawn start strong next spring. Also, fertilized grass can handle winter cold and snow much better.

Why August 15th to September 15th?

Many say the best time to fertilize is before your first frost. Right, when is that? If you are in Central Indiana, it is a good bet August 15th to September 15th will beat the first frost.

When to fertilize can also depend on the type of grass. Cool-season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass and fescue should be fertilized several weeks before the chance of the first frost. Two applications are often best: an early feeding to help your grass recover from summer stress, and then a later winterization feeding to strengthen roots and improve cold tolerance by adding potassium.

Warm-season grasses like bermudagrass and St. Augustine go dormant in winter. Fertilize in early fall to help them recover from summer. However, a follow-up winter fertilization is probably unnecessary.

Pro Tip: Mowing before fertilizing can improve fertilizer absorption.

But Wait, There Is More!

To truly know your lawn nutrient needs and pH balance, conduct a soil test. A professional soil test can prevent over-fertilization and the use of the wrong nutrient mix.

Do not wait until it is too late -- give your grass time to absorb the nutrients before dormancy. Fertilizing too late can keep grass growing when it should be dormant, often leading to winter damage. Keep an eye on grass growth. Growing grass can tolerate fertilizer; dormant grass not so much.

There you have it. Late-season fertilization sounds complicated, but it is needed. If you want it to be simple, call the pros at Berger Hargis!