General Fall Lawn Care

Fall is an excellent time of the year to control weeds in your lawn. Next year’s dandelions have germinated and right now, all weeds are moving nutrients into their roots to help them make it through the long winter which means broadleaf herbicides will also be taken to the roots. These young plants are small and easily controlled with herbicides such as 2,4-D or combination products (Trimec, Weed-B-Gon, Weed-Out) that contain 2,4-D, MCPP and Dicamba. Choose a day that is 50 degrees or higher as the better the weed is growing; the more weed killer will be moved from the leaves to the roots. Cold temperatures will slow this process but these products will still work at lower temperatures. The best way to prevent weeds in your lawn is to have a thick healthy stand of grass, but that is a conversation for a different time. It is impossible to control 100% of weeds in the lawn and that is OK!

As we prepare to mow the yard for what is hopefully one of the last times of the year it’s time to think about preparing your lawn mower ready for its long winters break. Be sure to drain the gasoline from gas powered engines or use a gasoline stabilizer to prevent the gas from becoming thick and gummy. Check your spark plug or replace it so you are ready to mow in the spring. If you have a riding lawn mower or one with a battery be sure to remove the battery and clean the terminals to prevent corrosion.

Once you have serviced the engine, be sure to check the blades. Dull blades can damage the grass when you cut it and leave a “feathered” look to the ends of the grass blades. As you sharpen the blades check for damage, if you can’t smooth it out the blades need to be replaced. Grind or file the edge of the blade till it is about 1/32 inch as a razor sharp edge can actually lead to a poor cut. Clean the blades and the underside of the mower to remove any matted grass.

If you seeded your yard this fall continue to water it to keep the seedlings growing and ensure they are more likely to survive the winter. If we continue to have rain, a mature lawn won’t need much water but we do want to make sure the lawn goes into the winter with moist soil.

Take Away:

• Apply lawn herbicides as little as possible each year.
• A one-time, fall application will be most effective at controlling perennial weeds.
• Spraying: Wear Boots! Wear Long Sleeves! Wear Gloves! Back AWAY from the application area – DON’T walk INTO it! READ the LABEL! UNDERSTAND the LABEL.
• Be sure to service your lawn mower so it’s ready to go in the spring.
• Water your lawn as needed so the soil is moist going into winter.

Have questions? Contact our office where our Horticulture Extension Agent will assist you with questions.

Phone: (316) 321-9660

Email: callae@ksu.edu