Fall Lawn Care for Warm-Season Grasses
As the growing season transitions into fall, managing warm-season grasses such as Bermuda and zoysia is important to ensure the grass stays healthy through dormancy in winter and has a strong start in spring. Several practices help prepare these grasses for cooler weather.
Mowing Practices
Following the one-third rule is important, no more than one-third of the grass blade should be removed in a single mowing. Scalping should be avoided to reduce stress on the turf. In fall, mowing heights should be slightly higher than in summer. Bermuda grass is best maintained at 2 to 3.5 inches, while zoysia should be kept at 2 to 3 inches. Higher mowing helps insulate the roots from cold, conserve soil moisture, and reduce winter stress.
Irrigation Needs
Although cooler weather reduces evaporation, lawns still require water. Deep, infrequent watering is recommended, providing about half an inch to one inch per week if rainfall is insufficient. Going into winter with drought-stressed turf can lead to poor recovery in spring. Irrigation every three to four weeks through the winter may be necessary when rainfall is lacking, though caution is advised during freezing conditions.
Fertilization and Soil Care
Fertilizer applications should be timed six to eight weeks before the average first frost. Later applications of nitrogen will cause the grass to put more energy into new growth that will be killed by the impending cold weather. Fall is also a good time to lime. But both fertilizer and lime rates should be based on soil test results.
Weed Management
Fall is the time to apply pre-emergent herbicides to prevent winter annual weeds, particularly annual bluegrass (Poa annua). Applications should be timed for when soil temperature reaches 70°F for five consecutive days. Reapplication every 90 days through winter and into spring is recommended. For existing broadleaf weeds, post-emergent herbicides containing 2,4-D, dicamba, or MCPP can be effective.
Disease Concerns
Two common diseases affect warm-season grasses in fall: dollar spot and large patch.
Fall armyworms are the primary insect concern during this season, especially in Bermuda grass. These larvae feed on grass blades but typically do not damage the roots, allowing for regrowth. Severe infestations can cause noticeable damage. Insecticides such as bifenthrin or permethrin provide effective control.
Related Videos:
Watering the Lawn
Spreader and Sprayer Calibration
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Three Common Herbicides
How do you get rid of armyworms?
Related Resources:
Fertilization and Management of Home Lawns
Fall Lawn Care
Mowing Practices
Following the one-third rule is important, no more than one-third of the grass blade should be removed in a single mowing. Scalping should be avoided to reduce stress on the turf. In fall, mowing heights should be slightly higher than in summer. Bermuda grass is best maintained at 2 to 3.5 inches, while zoysia should be kept at 2 to 3 inches. Higher mowing helps insulate the roots from cold, conserve soil moisture, and reduce winter stress.
Irrigation Needs
Although cooler weather reduces evaporation, lawns still require water. Deep, infrequent watering is recommended, providing about half an inch to one inch per week if rainfall is insufficient. Going into winter with drought-stressed turf can lead to poor recovery in spring. Irrigation every three to four weeks through the winter may be necessary when rainfall is lacking, though caution is advised during freezing conditions.
Fertilization and Soil Care
Fertilizer applications should be timed six to eight weeks before the average first frost. Later applications of nitrogen will cause the grass to put more energy into new growth that will be killed by the impending cold weather. Fall is also a good time to lime. But both fertilizer and lime rates should be based on soil test results.
Weed Management
Fall is the time to apply pre-emergent herbicides to prevent winter annual weeds, particularly annual bluegrass (Poa annua). Applications should be timed for when soil temperature reaches 70°F for five consecutive days. Reapplication every 90 days through winter and into spring is recommended. For existing broadleaf weeds, post-emergent herbicides containing 2,4-D, dicamba, or MCPP can be effective.
Disease Concerns
Two common diseases affect warm-season grasses in fall: dollar spot and large patch.
- Dollar spot appears as small silver-dollar-sized patches and is more common in humid conditions with warm days and cool nights. It can be managed with fungicides containing azoxystrobin, light nitrogen applications, bagging and disposing of your clippings when mowing, and morning watering.
- Large patch, caused by Rhizoctonia solani, affects primarily zoysia grass and thrives in temperatures between 50–70°F. Preventive fungicide treatments are most effective when there is a history of large patch, along with proper mowing, early morning irrigation, and improved drainage.
Fall armyworms are the primary insect concern during this season, especially in Bermuda grass. These larvae feed on grass blades but typically do not damage the roots, allowing for regrowth. Severe infestations can cause noticeable damage. Insecticides such as bifenthrin or permethrin provide effective control.
Related Videos:
Watering the Lawn
Spreader and Sprayer Calibration
Pre-Emergent Herbicides
Three Common Herbicides
How do you get rid of armyworms?
Related Resources:
Fertilization and Management of Home Lawns
Fall Lawn Care