Fall Lawn Care

SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER, NOVEMBER

• Fall is a great time to lime, fertilize, seed and control weeds in the lawn.
• Fall seeding should be done in September or October (the earlier the better).
• Fertilizing should be done at least twice during the fall/early winter.
• Broadleaf weed prevention (to control winter annuals) should be done in September if you are not seeding.
• Broadleaf weeds already growing in the lawn can be killed in October or November (depending on seeding schedule).
• Late fall is time to rake leaves off of grassy areas to prevent damage to the turf.

IF SEEDING THE LAWN IN THE FALL

• Mow and/or rake the lawn if needed & scratch-up bare spots.
• Core aerate and/or de-thatch the lawn if needed.
• Sow grass seed of your choice - Merrifield Tuff Play, Merrifield Sunny or Merrifield Shady Grass Seed Blends.
• Apply Merrifield Select 14-18-14 Lawn Food at the same time as seeding.
• Cover the seeded bare spots with Peat Moss, Topsoil, Organic Compost or Straw.
• Water the lawn as needed until seed germinates and fills in.
• If needed, control broadleaf weeds in the lawn with Weed Beater or Expel Weed Killer (must be done 3 weeks before seeding or after new seed has germinated and been mowed twice).
• Apply Merrifield Premium 26-4-12 Lawn Food in November (or December).
• If needed, apply lime at the rate of 50 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft.

IF NOT SEEDING THE LAWN

• Apply Portrait in early September to prevent winter annual weeds (if not done in August).
• Apply Merrifield Premium 26-4-12 Lawn Food in September or October.
• Apply Merrifield Select 14-18-14 Lawn Food in November (or December).
• If needed, control broadleaf weeds with Weed Beater or Expel Weed Killer.
• If needed, apply lime at a rate of 50 lbs. per 1,000 square feet.