A couple of cool season grasses, K-31 or Turf Type Fescue, can be over-seeded now while the rest of the cool season grasses, Bluegrass or Perennial Ryegrass, can start going down around the end of August through September. When over-seeding, keep in mind that our first potential frost date is October 11 and some grasses such as Bluegrass can take up to 21 days to germinate so timing is important. Newly planted grass needs to be mowed at least twice before the first frost to be considered mature enough to withstand a killing frost. Additionally, a low Nitrogen fertilizer, Pro Rich, Milorganite or Alfa Meal, should be put down when the grass seed goes down. Higher Nitrogen fertilizers can burn the newly planted grass.

If you are not over-seeding this season, then the fall application of a fertilizer with weed control can go down around Labor Day Weekend. Perennial weeds such as ground ivy, clover, plantain, wild violets are best controlled in the fall. Use Ferti-lome Weed Free Zone or Ferti-lome Weed Out Plus with a spreader sticker (to enhance the kill) and spot treat for weeds. Ground ivy and wild violets are very challenging weeds to control and multiple applications need to be made per the labeled instructions.

If fungus has been a problem this year or in the past consider converting your lawn to a more tolerant grass such as Turf Type Fescue or Perennial Rye. Turf Type Fescue is more tolerant of our hot humid summers and will not be as stressed. Perennial Rye is more tolerant to common fungal issues found here in the Omaha area.

The most important fertilizer application that everyone should do is the Winterizer application. This should be done after the last mowing once the grass has stopped growing (around Halloween). This application is essential because it gives the grass the nutrition it needs to overcome the stresses of winter and provides the lawn a good “green up” in the spring.

Pelletized gypsum can be applied to the lawn near parking areas that are affected by road salt.Gypsum helps lessen the damage that can be done to lawns and plants by road salt.

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