Fall Fertilization and Lawn Care Tips for Missouri Homeowners
We’re coming up to the end of summer and fall weather is right around the corner. Fall is an important time for lawn care for Missouri homeowners. It’s a great time for much-needed TLC for cool-season grasses. After hot summer days, fescue lawns are approaching their peak growing season and it’s time to start thinking about fall fertilization, aeration, and overseeding.
The Importance of Fall Fertilization
Fall fertilization is important to help strengthen your lawn’s roots and overall health. During fall, grass plants shift their energy from top growth to root development. Using the right fertilizer at the right time is the best way to prepare the root systems to better withstand winter challenges. September is the best time for fall fertilizer applications on cool-season lawns to sustain green color while also enhancing root growth.
Lawn fertilization for warm-season grasses should be done before the lawn begins to transition into dormancy. Use fertilizers to improve winter hardiness and help protect the turfgrass during dormancy. Bermuda grass will green up again in late spring.
Early Fall Lawn Care Tips in Missouri
Aeration and Overseeding for Tall Fescue Lawns
To replenish a tall fescue lawn, fall overseeding is the most important thing for homeowners to do. Core aeration should be done prior to overseeding to alleviate soil compaction and encourage stronger root growth. Make sure to follow proper watering instructions to ensure grass seed germination.
Timing is Crucial for Seed Germination
Tall fescue lawns in Missouri should be overseeded at the right time for the best grass seed germination. Normally, this is around September to October, during cooler temperatures. Waiting too late for seeding will not give the new lawn enough time to establish healthy roots before early spring.
Choosing the Right Fall Lawn Fertilizer
To achieve the goal of a lush, healthy lawn, choose a high-quality granular fertilizer. Slow-release nitrogen fertilizers will help extend the color of a green lawn throughout the cool season. You may need to conduct a soil test to assess any nutrient deficiencies in the soil. Soil samples can be sent to your local extension office and results can take up to 6 weeks.
Fall Weed Control
Weeds are a problem year-round. While different types of grass go into dormancy and have their active seasons, so do lawn weeds. Fall pre-emergents are applied to help prevent weed growth during winter. It’s important to remember that pre-emergents are designed to stop growth. Weed control should be avoided in newly seeded areas until the new lawn is fully established.
Professional Lawn Care in St. Louis
Homeowners looking for a local lawn care company in St. Louis can turn to Loyalty Lawn Care. Our fertilization programs are designed to sustain a healthy, green lawn while keeping weeds out of sight. We offer lawn care for warm and cool-season grasses, grub control, aeration, and fescue overseeding in St. Louis. Since 1998, we’ve provided high-quality lawn care services in St. Charles, St. Peters, Ballwin, Chesterfield, Kirkwork, Lake St. Louis, and surrounding areas. We know what it takes to maintain a healthy lawn in Missouri. Contact our team today to learn more or get a quote!