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As the crisp air of fall begins to settle in, it’s time to start thinking about preparing our lawns for the winter months ahead. Lawn care needs vary significantly across the country, and understanding how to tailor your efforts based on your region is key to keeping your turfgrass healthy and resilient. This fall, we reached out to turfgrass scientists from different regions to provide expert tips on transitioning your lawn from autumn to winter.
From mowing techniques to reference tools, each region has its unique set of recommendations to ensure your lawn remains strong throughout the cold season. Whether you’re in the cool-season grass zone up north or the warm-season grass areas down south, these expert insights will help you prepare for winter and set the stage for a lush, green lawn come spring. Read on for tips specific to your region provided by turfgrass researchers and educators.
Mulch tree leaves as you mow, but you might get to a point where too many tree leaves could cause some harm to your lawn. Begin collecting the leaves if less than 50% of the lawn is visible. Given that this has shaped up to be the warmest and driest September and October on record for much of the Upper Midwest, I would consider watering your lawn if it is drought stressed. We don’t have a great idea of what a fall drought-stressed lawn will look like in the spring, but it is likely not good given that many winter stresses are also moisture related.
Water usage is a concern for turfgrass areas with the transition to winter. Specifically in Nebraska this year, we are facing drought conditions in the majority of the state, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Only water when temperatures are about 40 degrees Fahrenheit. You only need enough water (not heavy amounts of water) to help the canopy of the turfgrass during the warmer conditions. In addition, allow the grass to go through dormancy and avoid traffic at those areas.
Fall is a great time for selective broadleaf weed control. This time of year, perennial broadleaf weeds like dandelion, plantain and clover are preparing to overwinter. A fall application of 2,4-D would be particularly effective on dandelion and plantain, and combination product with triclopyr and 2,4-D would be great for clover control.
Fall is also a great time to apply fertilizer high in nitrogen and low in phosphorus, as well as seeding bare to thin areas of your lawn. For folks in the northern half of the U.S., target mixtures of perennial ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescue as they are adapted to a wide variety of cool-season conditions. Seeding tall fescue is also an excellent option for those who want to reduce future irrigation needs.
Gradually reduce mowing and irrigation frequency as the season progresses. If evapotranspiration (ET) is used for irrigation scheduling, adjust the amount to 60% ET replacement. Apply your final fertilizer application about 30 days before the expected first frost. Reduce the risk of disease by removing tree leaves and stop watering and fertilizing once the grass goes dormant.
NC State has a thorough tall fescue lawncare calendar that covers everything from mowing practices and pest control to lawn renovations. They also supply lawncare calendars for other turfgrass species such as bermudagrass and mixtures such as tall fescue/Kentucky bluegrass lawns grown in North Carolina. These give a detailed lawn maintenance framework for not only the transition from fall to winter, but year-round.
We would like to thank each researcher who spent time giving us their input for this newsletter. Their expertise and outreach are valuable to the turfgrass community.
