FROM THE FIELD The Fall Factor

A healthy head start that supports turf green-up in spring begins before turf settles into its winter hibernation. Fall fertilization completes a comprehensive lawn care program and feeds plants with nutrients during the off-season so they can build up immunities. By embracing fall fertilization, lawn care operators (LCOs) build a program that cares for  customers’ properties and makes spring turf look great.

But many companies shun fall fertilizer applications because they don’t understand the plant health benefits associated with late-season applications. As a result, clients call and LCOs arrive with quick-fix spring applications typically comprised of a quick-release fertilizer that results in a lush green lawn. Unfortunately, excessive fertilization on turf coming out of winter dormancy not only wastes product, but also damages vulnerable plants.

In addition, glossing over the season finale of a lawn care program eliminates a sales opportunity. Some LCOs add the fall finish as a premium offering.

A MISSING ACTION. Fall fertilization isn’t about instant gratification. Instead, the goals are:

• Extend the greening period into
     late fall;
• Initiate spring green-up as much as
     a month sooner;
• Increase turf density late into the fall
     and thus reduce weed pressure; and
• Increase root growth.

LCOs want to add hardiness, vigor and strength to turf so when winter comes it can withstand the extra pressures wrought by low temperatures, decreased sunlight and extended snow cover. Fall fertilization results in a stronger lawn better prepared for any corrective action required after a winter of abuse, including faster recovery time that minimizes reseeding.

REGIONAL REINFORCEMENTS. Fall applications should focus more on the fertilizer than on end-of-season weed control. Pay particular attention to nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium ratios.
 
For example, customers in southern states without snow cover expect a green Christmas and New Year. Here, consider nitrogen levels of 1.5 pounds so turf maintains its color.
Nitrogen plays a different winter role in northern states, where snow may cover turf for several months. A lower nitrogen ratio – about 1 pound – is appropriate. Rather than chasing late-season green and forcing top growth, LCOs want the turf to store the nitrogen as carbohydrates and build internal strength, hence the reduced amount of nitrogen. Plus, northern turf benefits from a more even ratio of potassium and nitrogen as the potassium strengthens and protects the root zone.
 
Most importantly, avoid excessive nitrogen or quick-release nitrogen in fall applications in northern climates. The goal is for the turf to save green-up and top growth for spring. Too much nitrogen could initiate premature green-up, and cold weather will kill new sprouts. This makes fall fertilization a perfect candidate for products with slow-release nitrogen.
 
So, when do LCOs make the application? Every region welcomes winter at different times. Some states see frost in October, while the mercury doesn’t drop until December in other locations. Time  fall fertilization for 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. This is an ideal window because LCOs want to allow a couple weeks for the soil to absorb nutrients and break them down for the plant to use and store without growing.

Again, the goal with fall fertilization is to feed the existing plant as opposed to driving new growth on top of the plant. And a well-timed application of a quality, slow-release fertilizer late in the year is just the answer.

The authors are part of LESCO’s Tech Services Department. They can be reached at fromthefield@gie.net or at 800/321-5325 ext. 3150 to answer technical questions.