Now’s the time to feed your Lawn

October’s weather is bringing about a change in your lawn.  The grass isn't growing as vigorously, there's less top growth and typically, you're mowing less frequently. While top growth has slowed down, grass roots are still very active storing nutrients and moisture, getting ready for the winter season.  All this activity at the root level makes this an important time to feed your lawn. In fact, if you only fertilize once a year, now’s the time to do it. Applying a winterizer fertilizer now benefits your lawn in two ways. 

Winterizer fertilizers contain both Nitrogen and Potash, to build hardiness into grass stems and roots. By strengthening the grass root system, your lawn will be better prepared to survive the rigors of winter. Second, the slow release Nitrogen component in winterizer fertilizer will ensure there’s enough food available for a quicker green-up and stronger top growth early in the spring season. For even better results, add granular humate to your lawn before you fertilize. 

Granular humate will break down clay, improve soil structure and increase microbial activity in the soil. Humate will also help your grass take up nutrients more effectively and stay greener with less water. HuMic is an excellent source of granular humate. For best results, apply humate first, then winterizer. Water the lawn thoroughly after applying humate and winterizer. Aerating the lawn this time of year helps overcome compaction and makes it easier for the fertilizer and organic material to get down to the roots.  You can do aeration yourself or hire it done. Just make sure you get a good core extraction. Over the next few weeks, gradually lower your mower's height so that the last cutting will be about two- and one-half inches tall. 

During the winter, use a simple sprinkler to water your lawn. This will also benefit the trees and shrubs planted in or near your lawn. Winter watering is especially important where the lawn and trees are surrounded by sidewalks and streets. Do this when the temperature is above 40°F. Taking these steps now will help ensure a healthier lawn next spring.