Turf Talk: Tuck in the Lawn for a Cozy Fall Nap

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

October is here, and it is time to finish up the final applications of the season. If you haven’t applied your final fertilizer application, do so and water it in as soon as possible. It is not recommended to apply high amounts of nitrogen to our lawns as the chances of frost increase. Consider the first two weeks in October as your last window to apply fertilizers. If you haven’t conducted a soil test or haven’t pulled a sample for several years, consider taking a sample for nutrient analysis before spring fertilization. Base phosphorus and potassium application off a soil test result, which helps avoid excessive and wasteful fertilizer usage.

Apply preemergent herbicides now, before it is too late. Our nighttime temperatures are dropping, which means our soils will begin to cool. Very soon, weed seed should begin to germinate, at which point it is too late for a preemergent application. Be sure to read and follow all label directions to ensure your preemergent herbicide will be effective. For more guidance on choosing and applying lawn weed preventers, download this Preemergence Herbicide Guide (PDF) from Texas A&M Extension Services.

From this point until winter dormancy, continue to mow as needed – follow the 1/3 Rule for mowing frequency and mow at the upper end of your grass species’ recommended mowing height. Do not cut the lawn short as you would in the spring; don’t remove your lawn’s nice winter blanket. This grass canopy provides insulation against the cold of winter.
The grass is still recovering from summer stresses like heat and drought. Until the fall rains return (normally they do!), remember to follow the Cycle and Soak method for irrigation. Most lawns require no more than .5” to 1.0” of water per week, applied across two or fewer applications. If we receive meaningful rain, you may not need to irrigate that week.

Hopefully, we will start seeing some rain move in, and we can reduce our irrigation needs. We are almost there, fellow yarders!