Time to Reseed

Now is the best time to seed a new lawn or overseed an existing lawn, according to Zac Reicher, Purdue Extension turfgrass specialist.

If the lawn is just thin and needs a little help, fall also is the best time to fertilize the lawn and control weeds, Reicher said.

“If the lawn is in fairly good shape, but thin and with a fair population of weeds, you can improve the lawn dramatically by applying 1 pound of Nitrogen per 1,000 square feet in September and 1.5 pounds Nitrogen per 1,000 square feet in November,” he said. “An application of a broadleaf herbicide in mid-October should take care of most of the broadleaf weeds like clover and dandelion.”

If it’s obvious you need to completely re-seed, Reicher advises either closely mowing the existing lawn and using a power overseeder to cut in turfgrass seed, or using herbicide to kill existing vegetation, wait a few days, then re-seed.

Reicher urged homeowners to be sure to keep the lawn well-watered until the new seedlings are established.

“Applying a starter fertilizer at 1 1/2 pounds per 1,000 square feet before seeding will also improve establishment,” he said.

The other re-seeding option is to completely till the yard, rake smooth, seed, lightly roll, then water and fertilize as above.

“Those dandelions, clover and other broadleaf weeds that were a problem last spring and all summer should be controlled this fall,” Reicher said.

The period from late September to mid-November is the ideal time to control broadleaf weeds in turfgrass because broadleaf weeds are most susceptible to herbicides at this time, according to Reicher.

Many of the weed and feed products available should be applied in mid- to late-September to receive the full benefit of the fertilizer as well as the most efficacious weed control. Read and follow all directions on the herbicide label when using the product. Be careful when using broadleaf herbicides because they may damage desired vegetation such as flowers, trees, shrubs or vegetables.

“Fertilization in mid-September encourages the production of new tillers and/or rhizomes and stolons that will increase the density of a turf,” Reicher said.

“Fertilization in September also encourages rooting and production of storage products that will help the plant survive the stresses of winter and next year's growing season.”

Source: Chronicle-Tribune