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. “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.”
Should You Fertilize Your Lawn in the Fall?
“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 & Landscape Architecture
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.
“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’s roots, giving them a strong base on which to thrive next spring.” — This Old House — Fall Fertilizing: Essential Tips To Help Your Yard Grow.
I’m Ready for Fall. Are You?
Are you ready for some cooler fall weather? Me too. We’ve dealt with a long, hot, cold, dry, wet summer here in Central Indiana. Well, here’s 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’s 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’re in Central Indiana, it’s 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. As mentioned earlier, from late August through early September is ideal. 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’s More!
To truly know your lawn’s 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.
Don’t wait until it’s 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. If the grass has stopped growing, wait until spring to fertilize.
There you have it. Late-season fertilization sounds complicated, but it’s needed. If you want it to be simple, call the pros at Berger Hargis!
How Can We Help You?
Berger Hargis has a company philosophy of providing personal excellence for all our services. Our growth and success have been due entirely to our commitment to honest, excellent customer service. Therefore, the company is built on the referral business we have received due to this philosophy.
If we can answer any questions about your lawn or landscaping, please don’t hesitate to Contact Us.
About the Author
Randy Clark is a speaker, coach, and author. He can be found at RandyClarkLeadership.com. Randy is passionate about social media, leadership development, and flower gardening. He’s a beer geek, and on weekends, he can be found fronting the Rock & Roll band Under the Radar. He’s the proud father of two educators; he has four amazing grandchildren and a wife who dedicates her time to helping others. Randy is the author of the Amazon bestseller The New Manager’s Workbook, a crash course in effective management.
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