Late Summer’s beauty and vigor began to wane, but she put on a brave face as August will be sauntering in, hot and heavy, as she’s known to do. She held a secret and plenty of tricks up her sleeve. She was ever the opportunist.
Late Summer provides ideal conditions to seed our lawns. More specifically, seeding should be done between mid-August through mid-September as day time temperatures grow milder with cooler nights, increasing moisture is available, and there is less competition from weed seed germination. Further still, soil temperatures are still warm, again presenting ideal conditions for seed germination.
Seeding now allows for strong root development prior to winter’s wrath. And when Spring rolls around, you’re already way ahead of the game, but there is a caveat. Simply broadcasting seed is only part of the equation. In order for the seed to make contact with the soil and develop hearty roots, you must absolutely, unequivocally water.
Adequate watering must be provided until complete seed germination. The seeds should be continuously watered on a frequent and light basis. Once the seedlings start to grow, watering should occur less frequently, but deeper, which ultimately creates stronger root systems and overall healthier lawns. Simply tossing some seed onto the dirt or over weakened areas without proper watering will do nothing but feed the birds. You must remain vigilant and diligently water, or all your work is for naught.
Once seedlings begin to grow and fill in, don’t get the mower out just yet. The first mow should happen once the height of the grass reaches about 50% higher than the desired mowing height. For example, if you normally mow your lawn at a height of 2″, then do not mow until the seedlings have reached 3″. Subsequent mowings may not need to be done weekly. It all depends on how the grass is growing. If rainfall is minimal, you may be mowing every other week. No matter when you mow, remember never to remove more than 1/3 of the blade.
Sod also does well this time of year for all the same reasons and can be laid almost up to the first frost.
Contact Sweeney’s today to schedule your lawn renovation. Don’t let the perfect window of opportunity elude you for another year. Seize the season! We proudly serve the communities of Villa Park, Elmhurst, Oakbrook, Oakbrook Terrace, Glen Ellyn, Lombard, Wood Dale, Itasca, and more!
Sweeney’s: A Plant Based Company
Plant of the Week
Flaming Moor Grass
Coppery-bronze plumes bloom above graceful, arching, slender foliage from mid to late Summer. Foliage matures to a buttery-yellow in Fall. Prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Grows 3-4′ tall and 2-3′ wide. Deer resistant.
“Midsummer noontide in a sky of brass:
The sun like flame licks at the blistered earth,
And shrivels up the blades of withering grass…”
~John Gould Fletcher
Best wishes,
Kim Sweeney
Please remember, don’t worry about any weeds until after you have cut the lawn 2 times. After that, the new lawn should be strong enough to withstand any herbicides you might use.