Top Five Factors in Fall Lawn Care

Everything you need to get your lawn off to a healthy start with information and advice on proper pH, nutrient levels and soil amendment.

Lime Application

Liming is one of the most important things you can do for your lawn this fall! We can check your soil pH for you just bring us a sandwich baggie full of soil. If you need to add lime to raise the pH, the typical rate is 40 lbs. per 1000 sq. ft. in order to raise pH half a point. Remember, lime is not an immediate fix and more is not better. It can take several months before pH is properly adjusted.

Seed Choice

Strange's best seed option for sun and light shade is Gold Standard. This grass is dark green, with a medium to fine blade that is drought, heat and insect resistant. After all, it is "bred in the South, for the South." The average rate for overseeding an existing lawn is 3 to 5 lbs. per 1000 square feet. The rate for new lawns is 5 to 8 lbs. per 1000 square feet. ore is not better! Seed should not be heavily applied you can always overseed at a later date.

Irrigation

Water is necessary for seed to germinate. Seed needs to be kept moist; water two to three times daily. An established lawn needs about one inch of water a week. It is better to water all at once to establish a deeper root system, which makes grass stronger and healthier!

Fertilizer

We recommend feeding with ferti-lome New Lawn Starter in September and ferti-lome Winterizer in October. The two feedings in the fall are sufficient for lawns in the Richmond area. We no longer recommend feeding in November or December. Once the ground starts to harden and freeze, the fertilizer has nowhere to go and it can just run off into the groundwater with a good rain or snow. Strange's also provides organic alternatives to replace conventional lawn foods.

Controlling Fall Weeds

Ferti-lome Weed Free Zone is a cool season weed killer that works wonders in the fall. Use it to get rid of clover, ground ivy, henbit, shepherd's purse, wild onions and more! Weed Free Zone works in temperatures from 40 to 85 degrees. It is available as both a liquid and a granular product. The granular also contains fertilizer! You can reseed about two weeks after using Weed Free Zone.