Fall Warm Season Turf Application: A Complete Guide
As the crisp autumn air begins to settle in, it’s time to start thinking about your lawn’s fall warm season turf application. This crucial step ensures your lawn stays healthy through the winter and thrives when spring arrives. If you’re looking to keep your warm-season grass in top condition, follow our expert tips for the perfect fall warm season turf application.
Aspect | Details | Recommended Products/Actions |
Timing | September, when soil temperatures fall below 70°F | Begin applying pre-emergent herbicides to prevent winter weeds such as annual bluegrass. |
Pre-Emergent Herbicides | Prevents germination of winter weeds | – Specticle: Broad-spectrum, 3 oz/A or 0.07 oz/1000 sq ft – Dimension: Effective against crabgrass, 24 oz/A or 0.55 oz/1000 sq ft – Prodiamine: Long-lasting, 1.15 lbs/A or 0.4 oz/1000 sq ft – Coastal: Specifically for coastal areas, 32 oz/acre or 0.73 oz/1000 sq ft |
Post-Emergent Herbicides | Controls actively growing weeds during the fall | – MSM Turf: Broadleaf and grassy weed control, 0.25 to 0.38 oz/acre – Avenue South: Fast broadleaf control, 3.5 pints/acre – Speed Zone Southern: Wide range of weed control, 1.5 oz/1000 sq ft |
High-Potassium Fertilizers | Enhances root development and stress tolerance, prepares for spring | – Potassium Sulfate (0-0-50): 2 lbs/1000 sq ft – K-Mag (0-0-22): Apply 4-6 weeks before frost, promotes disease resistance |
Application Tips | Best practices for effective turf application | – Follow label instructions – Consider turfgrass needs and weed pressure – Apply post-emergents when weeds are small – Use protective gear when applying |
When to Apply Your Fall Warm Season Turf Application
Timing is everything when it comes to fall warm season turf application. The best time to start is in September when soil temperatures fall below 70°F. This is the optimal period to apply pre-emergent herbicides to prevent winter weeds like annual bluegrass from taking over your lawn. In North Carolina, for instance, 80% of annual bluegrass germinates between September 1 and October 30. If you wait too long, you may miss the window to control these pesky invaders.
For more details on annual bluegrass and its germination timeline, visit TurfFiles.
Key Points:
- Optimal Timing: Early September as night temperatures cool.
- Soil Temperature: Below 70°F for effective application.
- Weed Control: Target winter annual weeds like annual bluegrass.
By applying your fall warm season turf application at the right time, you’ll give your lawn the best chance to remain healthy throughout the colder months and into spring. To maintain your lawn throughout the year, explore our lawn care services.
What to Apply for Fall Warm Season Turf Application
Selecting the right products is just as important as timing. Your fall warm season turf application should include a combination of pre-emergent herbicides, post-emergent herbicides, and high-potassium fertilizers. Here’s what you need to know about each:
Pre-Emergent Herbicides:
- Specticle: A broad-spectrum pre-emergent herbicide that controls a wide variety of weeds, including Poa annua. Apply 3 oz/A or 0.07 oz/1000 sq ft for long-lasting residual control.
- Dimension: Effective against crabgrass and other annual grasses, Dimension provides both pre- and early post-emergent control. Use 24 oz/A or 0.55 oz/1000 sq ft.
- Prodiamine: This herbicide offers long-lasting control of annual grasses and some broadleaf weeds. Apply 1.15 lbs/A or 0.4 oz/1000 sq ft.
- Coastal Pre-Emergent: Specifically designed for coastal areas, Coastal Pre-Emergent is effective against common annual grasses. Apply 32 oz/acre or 0.73 oz/1000 sq ft.
Post-Emergent Herbicides:
- MSM Turf: Ideal for broadleaf and grassy weed control, MSM Turf is applied at 0.25 to 0.38 oz per acre.
- Avenue South: Formulated for warm-season turf, Avenue South delivers fast broadleaf control. Apply 3.5 pints per acre.
- Speed Zone Southern: This herbicide controls a wide range of weeds and is designed specifically for warm-season turfgrasses. Apply 1.5 oz per 1000 sq ft.
High-Potassium Fertilizers:
- Potassium Sulfate (0-0-50): Apply 2 pounds per 1,000 sq ft to promote strong roots and enhance stress tolerance.
- K-Mag (0-0-22): A professional turf fertilizer that improves disease resistance and prepares your lawn for spring. Apply four to six weeks before the first expected frost. For expert fertilization, consider our fertilization services.
Tips for a Successful Fall Warm Season Turf Application
Achieving the best results from your fall warm season turf application involves more than just applying the right products. Here are some additional tips to ensure your lawn thrives:
- Read and Follow Labels: Always follow the label instructions for the specific product you’re using to ensure safety and effectiveness.
- Irrigation: Some pre-emergent herbicides require irrigation or rainfall to activate. Plan your application around the weather forecast.
- Weed Selection: Consider the specific needs of your turfgrass and the weed pressure in your area when selecting a pre-emergent herbicide. For tailored weed control solutions, explore our weed control services.
- Post-Emergent Timing: Apply post-emergent herbicides when weeds are small and actively growing for the best results.
- Safety First: Wear gloves and protective clothing when applying any product to protect yourself from potential exposure.
By following these expert tips, you’ll set your lawn up for success as it heads into winter. Our lawn treatment services can also help you achieve optimal results throughout the year.
Conclusion: Preparing Your Lawn for the Winter
A successful fall warm season turf application is essential for maintaining a healthy lawn throughout the winter and ensuring a vibrant spring green-up. By applying the right products at the right time and following expert advice, you can protect your lawn from weeds, enhance its resilience, and prepare it for the challenges of winter. Don’t let your lawn go unprotected this fall—take action now and enjoy a lush, healthy lawn year-round. Our lawn disease and fungus control services can help safeguard your lawn from potential issues during the colder months.
For professional assistance or to schedule your fall warm season turf application, contact us today or fill out our estimate request form. Let our lawn care experts help you achieve the best results for your property, whether through routine lawn maintenance or specialized lawn mowing services.