Ultimate Guide: When to Stop Fertilizing Your Warm-Season Grass for a Flourishing Fall Lawn

Warm-season grasses thrive in sunny regions, especially in the southern U.S. They love temperatures between 75°F and 90°F. However, to keep your lawn vibrant and healthy, you need to provide proper care throughout the growing season. This means mowing correctly, watering consistently, and fertilizing at the right times. Ideally, stop fertilizing by September when the grass growth slows down in preparation for fall.

Common warm-season grasses include Bermudagrass, zoysiagrass, centipede, bahiagrass, and St. Augustine. These varieties thrive in full sun, tolerate dry spells, and adapt well to both sandy and clay soils. Experts recommend using nitrogen-rich fertilizers during the spring and summer to promote growth, but be careful not to apply it in the fall. Fertilizing late can damage your lawn by encouraging new growth that isn’t ready for cold temperatures.

When to Fertilize

It’s best to do your final fertilization about six to eight weeks before the first frost, which generally means late August for most regions. This helps the grass store energy for the winter months. Fertilizing too late can disrupt the natural dormancy process, making your lawn vulnerable to cold damage and diseases like Spring Dead Spot, especially in Bermudagrass.

Preparing for Fall

To prepare your warm-season grass for fall, there are a few steps to follow:

1. Mowing: Lower your mowing blade to the recommended height of 1 to 2 inches. In summer, you might have raised it, but returning to the appropriate height helps prevent issues like snow mold when cooler weather sets in.

2. Watering: As fall approaches, cut back on watering. With increased rainfall, your grass won’t need as much moisture. Aim for about 1 inch of water in two applications during dry weeks.

3. Weed Control: September is also an excellent time to apply a pre-emergent herbicide. As temperatures drop, winter weed seeds start to germinate. A pre-emergent can eliminate them before they sprout.

A recent survey from the National Gardening Association shows that 80% of homeowners want to maintain their lawns better but aren’t sure how. Ensuring you follow these steps can help minimize your headaches and keep your lawn healthy all year round.

For more information on lawn care practices, consider checking resources from the National Gardening Association. This will help you stay informed on the best lawn care tips and techniques from experts in the field.

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