A green lawn requires regular maintenance. An important role in this process is played by feeding, which should not only correspond to its purpose, but also be introduced in the appropriate period. Further, the features of autumn lawn fertilizer will be considered, as well as recommendations for preparing for winter.
Do I need to fertilize the lawn in the fall
Topping up lawn grass is a vital necessity, since regular mowing deprives plants of the nutrient stock acquired during growth. If you do not let the grass quickly fill this deficit, it will grow worse, start to lighten, bald spots may appear. In such a weakened lawn, rapid growth of weeds and moss is noted.
Autumn fertilizer application provides the accumulation of vital energy for the adverse conditions of the subsequent winter, improves the future resistance of the lawn to pests and diseases.
Did you know? The lawn between the street and the house is a protection against noise and dust. A hectare of grass can hold up to 60 tons of dust particles on average.
What can be fed
The optimal autumn feeding will be a complex mixture of mineral fertilizers, including phosphorus and potassium compounds. Phosphorus strengthens the root system of plants and stimulates the growth of side shoots, which densifies the layer of turf for better wintering at sub-zero temperatures.
Potassium improves winter hardiness by maintaining a water-salt balance.
The recommended percentage of fertilizing elements is as follows:
- 30% phosphorus;
- 20% potassium;
- 10% nitrogen.
The rules of autumn dressing
For effective top dressing, you need to follow a few simple rules. It is important to introduce nutrients at the right time and in the right concentration. The gardener can choose the method of fertilizing, focusing on his own preferences.
The timing
Nutrient mixtures are introduced from September to mid-October. It is believed that top dressing should be carried out 7-10 days before the arrival of frost in the region. Moreover, it is important that 3-4 days pass from the time of mowing, and the weather is dry, calm and cloudy.
Important! Lawn grasses grow best on fertile soils with a neutral reaction (6–7 pH). If the site has acidic soil, lime, ash or chalk should be added to the top layer, and dolomite flour or sulfur powder will be necessary additives for alkaline soil.
Fertilizer rates
Bone meal is often used as a source of phosphorus at the rate of 2-3 cups per 1 m². You can also use double superphosphate, which is characterized by the duration of assimilation and is applied at a rate of 50–70 g per 1 m². Once every 3-4 years, you can feed the planting with manure, spending 3-4 kg per 1 m².
In the assortment of specialized stores, you can find ready-made mixes with the appropriate seasonal labeling. Usually they contain an additional set of trace elements necessary for plants. The average consumption of such fertilizer is 300 g per 10 m², however, you must follow the instructions for each specific drug.
Fertilizer Methods
Top dressing can be applied dry or liquid. In the latter case, the fertilizer is diluted in water and the resulting solution is used for irrigation. Although this method requires more time and effort, it provides a quick supply of food to the root system of the grass, and is evenly distributed over the site. The granules should be dissolved in a separate container, then the solution is poured into a watering can or spray. Watering requires special care in order to avoid reprocessing of any site.
The dry method consists in sprinkling fertilizing (usually in the form of granules) on the lawn. In a small area, this is done manually, and in large areas, mechanical distributors are used. Fertilize the fertilizer also carefully so that it spreads evenly, without voids or a double layer.
Important! It is necessary to work with mineral mixtures in compliance with safety precautions. Mandatory use of gloves and closed shoes.
Preparing the lawn for winter
In autumn, fallen leaves should be removed from the lawn. It closes the way to sunlight, and with frequent rains, it helps to soak grass, develop diseases and reduce winter hardiness. In addition to fertilizing, aeration is recommended before the onset of winter.
This operation is necessary to improve drainage and oxygen access to the root system. Aeration is performed with both special tools and ordinary forks, slightly raising the top layer of soil. The work is carried out in dry weather to a depth of 5-15 cm.
The last time the grass was cut in November. It should be noted that before going under the snow, its height should be at least 5 cm. With the first frosts, the load on the lawn must be reduced. Winter activities (sledding, games with animals and children) should not be allowed with a snow layer of less than 20 cm.
Observing the rules of care in the autumn period, you can prepare plants for the winter cold and help the grass survive them in maximum safety. Having received a nutrient charge in the correct proportion, in the spring the lawn will quickly recover and will delight the owners with a bright color and thick cover.
