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Fall is the right time to repair, start a lawnNebraska The fall season, complete with its changing colors and falling leaves, isn't just pretty to watch. It's also practical for taking care of lawns, said Roch Gaussoin, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension turfgrass specialist. Fall is a good time to renovate the lawn and correct problems with grasses that may have suffered during the summer. Gaussoin said fall also is the best time to apply fertilizer to turf. "If you want to fertilize only one time of year, this is the time to do it." Plants accept nitrogen application better during the fall, leading to better root growth. This will increase growth and stress tolerance in turfgrass. Gaussoin said weed control is better in the fall as well. Broadleaf perennials, such as dandelions and white clover, will be more effectively controlled by herbicides. Perennials are sending carbohydrates to their root systems in the fall, and if herbicide is applied to perennials they will push herbicide into their roots, rhizomes and other underground organs. Gaussoin recommended using a liquid herbicide product. If only one type of weed is in a lawn, use a herbicide specific toward that weed. He said if a spectrum of weeds are in a lawn, use a product with chemicals that can be applied to the different weeds. During fall, Gaussoin said, herbicide application toward weeds is safer for plants around them. "Trees are starting to lose leaves anyway," he said, "so the potential for danger for the plants is much lower." Gaussoin said fruit and vegetable plants may be dying already from frost and won't be at risk if herbicide reaches them. Aerification, the act of physically opening soil to allow for air and water movement, is more effective in fall as well. Gaussoin said to aerate before adding fertilizer to soil. He also warned that aerification shouldn't be done too early or late. Late September and early October should be the latest points of the season to aerify. Mowing lawns should be done carefully during the fall as well. Gaussoin said not to mow if the lawn doesn't really need it. Optimally, he said, cutting height should be set in spring at 3 to 3.5 inches for bluegrass and 3 to 4 inches for turf-type tall fescue. That height should be maintained throughout the year. If snow is anticipated, Gaussoin said to mow a lawn tall and let it grow until the first snow hits. Snow can act as insulation, and a week's worth of additional growth of turf can act as air space throughout the winter. Gaussoin also said to be careful walking or putting objects on grass that has light frost on it, though turf should probably be fine. "Generally, turf is very forgiving during the fall," Gaussoin said. UNL Extension is part of the university's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. 10/13/08 Date: 10/7/08 Advertisement
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