Lawn Care In September – The fall programme begins this September with the increasing interval between mowings and the raising of the height of cut to the fall level, which is a quarter of an inch above the summer cutting height.
Worms may become active – there are no longer any chemical worm killers so brush away the casts and increase soil acidity next year by applying Lawn Sand in spring. Use an fall lawn fertilizer now if the lawn is pale and thin.
Carry out lawn repairs during showery weather at the middle or end of the month. Bumps, hollows, broken edges and bare patches can be rectified by special instructions. Bumps are regularly scalped by the mower and therefore tend to become bare. Do not attempt to roll out bumps – this will generally make the area more unsightly than ever. Small hollows can be gradually filled in by working sifted soil (no more than half inch thickness at a time) into the turf at regular intervals. Deep hollows call for surgery.
The September routine for all lawns is to scarify first, then spike any compacted areas and finally top dress if you can possibly spare the effort and time for this vital operation.
If disease patches have already appeared, use the systemic fungicide carbendazim. Tackle moles this month – September is truly a busy month on the established lawn!
It is also a busy time for the new lawn – September is the best period for sowing seed but turf laying should be delayed until next month.