First Things First -- Know Your Lawn

Want a great lawn next summer?  NOW is the time to start.  Cooler temperatures will kickstart both the top growth and root growth.  Fall is the ideal time to both pamper your grass and feed those roots.
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The easiest first step in optimal lawn care is to begin mulching your grass clippings and leaves back into the lawn.  That is the single simplest change you can make in your routine that will have a big impact on the health of your lawn for next year.  This step alone recycles nutrient-rich materials back into your lawn rather than contributing to landscape waste on the curb.

If you are already mulching your grass clippings back into your lawn, then take the next step — assess your lawn.  Get to know your lawn a bit better.  Establish a good baseline on where you are at now and where you want to be next year.  Here are some simple ways to do that:

• Walk your lawn.  Grab a cup of coffee and a note pad.  Jot down where the grass is thin.  If YOU can see the soil, weed seeds can find that same patch of soil to grow into next spring.  If it is easier for you, take photos with your phone to remind yourself of trouble spots that need attention.  Make note of places that are completely bare and those that are just thinning.
• Observe.  What are the growing conditions?  Are there places where the water tends to collect, the lawn gets soggy, and then the grass thins?  Are there places that are always worn from foot traffic that might be better suited for a path or some paving stones?  What about sun and shade? Eventually you will need to plant grass seed suited to your own growing conditions, so pay attention to that now.  What portion of your lawn is in full sun and what parts get partial or full shade?
• Plan ahead.  Think about, “How much lawn do I really want to take care of?”  Do you need play space for your kids, your dog or both?  Or, is it the visual appeal?  Most turf grasses grow best in full sun.  If you have a shady backyard, possibly a low-maintenance shade garden would require less care and suit you better.  This fall, take care of only the lawn spaces that you want to keep.
• Test your soil.  Go the extra mile, and find out the pH of your soil and learn the nutrient profile.  Testing helps you know what soil amendments are right for your lawn rather than just guessing. Fall is the best time to adjust your soils, as amendments have plenty of time to break down and take hold before next spring. Lawn grasses prefer a pH of about 6.5 (slightly acidic).  Soil testing is a fun science experiment for both kids and adults, and many gardeners make testing and amending their soils a part of their annual fall rituals.  You can either use a sample test kit from a nursery or hardware store or submit samples to UW Extension (allow at least two weeks for processing).  Find detailed instructions for collecting soil samples here >>>  https://uwlab.webhosting.cals.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2010/12/A2166-2.pdf

Right now — around Labor Day — is the ideal time to think about your “wish list” for next year’s front yard and to begin to create your very own backyard oasis.  Not only is it a good time to visualize what you want for your lawn, but it is also a good time to plan for your garden beds.  Do you want to accent your lawn with borders of color in the spring?   Do you love seeing tulips and daffodils popping up in other yards?  Begin to think now about your own space and plan ahead.

Each week in the lawn care series, the Whitefish Bay Garden Club will suggest some action items that you can take to enhance your lawn and gardens for next year.

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Author

Mary Beth Mahoney has a passion for organic lawn care and sustainable lifestyle choices.  She is a Master Composter in both Wisconsin and Illinois.  She served as a Master Gardener in Illinois and has taken professional courses in turf management, soil sciences, and commercial composting.   She is a member of the Whitefish Bay Garden Club.