Lawn maintenance for Autumn

Don't miss an opportunity to renew your established lawn during autumn months. Seed germinates well during cool, moist weather – with little competition from weeds. This is the best time of year to introduce healthy blends of new grass seed to your lawn.

Plan to over-seed your lawn two to four weeks before the first hard frost. Rake up thatch and top-dress the area before sowing seed. Perennial or annual ryegrass is often recommended for reseeding lawns. Perennial ryegrass is preferred, but annual ryegrass offers the advantage of quick germination and lower seed cost.

• Select seed that's specially mixed for reseeding. Turf experts recommend over-seeding at the rate of 5 to 10 pounds per 1,000 square feet.
• Using a handheld spreader, sow half the seed by walking in parallel lines and sowing the other half by walking the same area at a right angle to get good coverage.
• Maintain an even moisture level by watering regularly.
• Two weeks after planting, apply a fertilizer.

For help or more information, contact Monnick Supply in Marlborough or Framingham.

Source: foremost.com