Turf Talk: Preparing Your Lawn for Fall

by Brad Voss, M.S., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, County Extension Agent

While it might not feel like fall outside, the season is just around the corner, and it's time to start preparing your lawn for winter. Recovering from the harsh Texas summer is crucial for your lawn's health. In North Texas, temperatures typically start to cool down in September and October, and we often see some much-needed rain. Many of the best practices you've followed all season still apply, but there are a few key changes to keep in mind.

Let's start with the basics! Continue to follow the 1/3 Rule for mowing:

Remove no more than one-third of the grass blade per cut.
Maintain the recommended mowing height for your warm-season grass species, keeping it at the upper end of the recommended range during this time.
Keep mulching and leaving grass clippings on the lawn, as they provide long-term nutrition, improve soil organic matter, and help retain soil moisture.
Regularly check the sharpness of your mower blade and sharpen or replace it as needed.
Continue these practices until the lawn goes dormant. The lawn will signal when it's time to stop mowing.

September is also the time for the final fertilizer application of the season. Resist the urge to extend fertilization into October. Apply your last dose of fertilizer this month, following these guidelines:

- Do not exceed 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet, and ensure a portion is from slow-release nitrogen sources.
- Avoid fertilizers containing phosphorus unless a soil test indicates a need.
- Without a soil test, adhere strictly to the directions on your fertilizer bag.
- Sweep or blow any fertilizer granules off hardscaping and back into the lawn, keeping them away from storm drains.

September to early October is also the window to apply preemergent herbicides to control winter annual weeds. Since germination depends on soil temperature, which varies by species, it's crucial to apply preemergent herbicides and water them in before germination begins. Waiting until weeds appear is too late. For more information, consult the Preemergence Herbicides for the Home Lawn guide.

For most homeowners, using preemergent herbicide granules is the easiest option, although liquid formulations are available. Apply granules with a fertilizer spreader, following the manufacturer's settings and product label directions. Remember, it's essential to follow all label instructions to ensure the product's effectiveness AND because it's the law. Preemergent herbicides only work if applied correctly, including any watering to move the product into the soil. They are useless if left sitting on the soil surface, and most degrade very quickly from UV exposure, further reducing efficacy. Always consult the herbicide label for detailed application instructions. If you have any questions, contact your local County Extension Office.

We're almost at the lawn finish line! Fall is coming, even if temperatures are still high. Now is the time to prepare your lawn for the cooler months ahead.

Happy yarding, everyone!