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Fertilizers and Nutrients

Should I Fertilize My Lawn in Autumn?

Original Publication Date:
Updated:

Growth & Recovery

Winter, spring and fall, when the ground isn’t frozen, are the primary growing periods for cool season grasses. Summer is considered the "off season" or dormant time (unless the summer happens to be mild and rainy). During hot summer months, cool season grasses lose some of their root systems due to high temperatures in the soil and when there are periods of drought. As temperatures cool off and normal rainfall returns in fall months, the turf will begin to recover, making it an ideal time for fertilizer to aid in its growth.

Protection

Lawn diseases and insect problems aren’t as prevalent in the autumn as they are at other times of the year, so it’s important to take advantage of the fall growing season as much as possible. In the late fall, grass can utilize fertilizer with less likelihood of disease development because the temperatures are lower. And since daylight hours are shorter, the grass plant produces less top growth and uses the nutrients in the fertilizer toward root development. This is why grass grows slower in the fall than in the spring.

Survival

Grass plants need the ability to survive during the shorter daylight hours when they’re unable to produce enough food through photosynthesis. Fall fertilization helps the grass store carbohydrates, which it then uses as food over the winter months. When spring rolls around, yards that have been fertilized in the autumn will also green-up quicker thanks to leftover carbohydrates.

Late fall fertilization is truly a win-win situation for both you and your grass as a live plant. You get the benefits of a healthier, greener lawn with a stronger root system the next season, and the grass recovers from summer stress so it can fight through winter months.

For questions on the benefits of fall fertilization, or to sign up for your lawn application, please contact your local lawn care experts. We’re happy to help.

Written by Theresa Smith — Senior Vice President, NaturaLawn of America

Theresa Smith started as the Marketing Coordinator at NaturaLawn of America, a company founded by her father, Phil Catron, and quickly became passionate about the company’s culture and mission and is dedicated to being environmentally responsible. With nearly two decades of experience in lawn care, Theresa now serves as the Senior Vice President. She oversees all aspects of NLA's business operations, including corporate strategy, business vendor management, and purchasing. Theresa holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from James Madison University.