Fall is an important time to apply fertilizer to your lawn. In fact, in cool season grass species, fall is the best time to apply fertilizer because of the benefits it offers. Cool season grass species include Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass, Tall and Fine Fescue. While these grass species may be found in the transitional zone, these grass species are primarily found in northern United States.
Throughout the growing season, each fertilizer application serves a specific purpose. For the most part, four (maybe five) applications can be made to your lawn annually. For established lawns, you'd begin the year (late winter / early spring) with fertilizer with a pre-emergent herbicide prior to soil temperatures reaching 55°F. You'd finish with fertilizer that would prepare your lawn for winter dormancy.
Benefits of Late Fall Fertilization:
Promotes good root development
Enhances storage of energy reserves
Lengthens the deep green color into fall and winter
Enhances the rate of spring green-up
Creates dense turf therefore reducing weeds
Improves tolerance to spring diseases such as red thread and pink patch
Product Recommendation:
Fall / Late Fall: MAXLAWN Fall Lawn Food Winterizer (22-0-10)
When to apply:
Depending on where you're located, the late fall application would be between late October and early December. The late fall fertilizer application should not occur when temperatures are consistently above 55°F - 60°F. This application should be made around the time of your last mowing and when the lawn is still green.
Complete DIY Four-Step Plan:
Late Winter / Early Spring: MAXLAWN Crabgrass Preventer w/ Lawn Food (22-0-4)
Late Spring / Early Summer: MAXLAWN Weed & Feed (24-0-4)
Summer: MAXLAWN Lawn Food (26-0-4)
Fall / Late Fall: MAXLAWN Fall Lawn Food Winterizer (22-0-10)
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