The days are starting to get shorter and the evenings are getting cooler in the DC area and it’s time to start thinking about how to restore your lawn back to health after a challenging summer that had record setting rainfall which triggered disease outbreaks and has promoted grub populations in Montgomery and Howard Counties. There are many ways to help your lawn back to a healthier condition, and it all begins with soil testing.
Fall is the Time to Fertilize:
Everyone knows that the fall is the best time to fertilize, but how much fertilizer should you put down and what types of fertilizers should you use? Should you apply lime or sulfur and how much should you apply?
A soil test can answer all of those questions and more!
Fall is the Time to Aerate and Seed:
Fall is one of the best times to aerate and seed your lawn because grasses develop their root systems in the fall and the extended cool season allows grasses to become more well established.
How Aeration Works:
Aeration breaks through thatch and compacted surface soil to allow for water and nutrients to penetrate the ground where the grass roots can best use them, thus creating a denser root system that will make your lawn stronger and more drought tolerant. Aeration can create a great seed bed with excellent “seed-to-soil” contact which is critical in seed germination. Be sure to use the type of aeration that will benefit your lawn the most.
Is There Only One Type of Aeration and Which Type is Best?
There are several types of aeration, and choosing the right type depends upon your lawn’s individual needs. Some of the most popular types of aeration are: Spike Aeration (used with re-seeding), Core Aeration (used to relieve compaction and with top-dressing), Slicing (used with re-seeding), and Verti-Cutting (used with re-seeding and to relieve compaction)
More Fall Lawn Recovery Tips:
Use only the finest grass seeds that are recommended by the University of Maryland
Fertilize according to soil test recommendations and the University of Maryland
Water as needed to promote good germination of grass seed and to develop healthy grass roots.
Stay tuned to our blog for more helpful articles.
Contact Complete Lawn Care for a free estimate for your fall lawn care today at 301-948-5069