Whether you have your home on the market, or just want to keep it looking great all through the fall, you may need some expert advice. REALTOR Magazine recently interviewed lawn expert Trey Rogers, and here are six tips for lawn upkeep.

1. For northern states (like Ohio), fall is the best time to fertilize a lawn. (Late fall fertilization should occur for our area in October or November.) Rogers recommends a complete nitrogen and potassium combination fertilizer, but you can ask your fertilizer vendor what they recommend for your type of lawn.
2. Fall is also the best time to reseed grass. If you have a bare spot, seed it right away. September is best in southern Ohio, or by October 30 at the latest.

   Rogers says, “it’s a good time because the ground is still warm, but the days are getting shorter so you don’t have as much day length to rob the moisture out of the soil.”

3. In early October, get rid of the weeds and dandelions. Weeds germinate in the fall, so if you get rid of them in October, there will be fewer in spring.
4. Mow! Rogers recommends mowing twice a week through mid-October. Watering dry grass through October helps, too.
5. Get fall leaves off the ground to keep them from suffocating the lawn. (Don’t forget about the new yard waste drop off procedures!) Rogers actually recommends mulch-mowing the leaves, providing nutrients to your lawn. This prevents you from having to deal with yard waste, too! Another tip: Maple leaves are a natural dandelion killer.
6. Play with fall colors: Mums, red foliage. Dogwood bushes are hardy in cold weather and have red or yellow branches. Holly is also a great way to decorate outside the home with their bright red berries.

Read more details from the “Yard Doctor” in the original article here.

Rogers’ website can be found at www.yardsmarts.com

Info on organic lawns from Ohio State.

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