The year 2023 was not kind to our lawns. Do this to give grass a boost for next year

Another growing season is coming to an end. The year 2023 was challenging for gardeners. Before you call it quits for the year, consider several last-minute chores to enhance your odds of success next year. By taking a few minutes this fall, your lawn will be set up for another great growing season.

November fertilization is one of the most critical chores. Applying a high-nitrogen, quick-release fertilizer will pay big dividends next spring. Examples of the best fertilizers to use at this time of year are 30-0-0, 27-3-3, or 25-5-5. The nitrogen is taken up by the plants and converted to stored energy or food for the plant to use next spring. The root system is the big winner of this November application. The grass plant can quickly access the nutrients needed for early spring green-up and use what it needs when spring rolls around.

The November application takes the place of an early spring application. Research has found that fertilizer applied in the spring is not converted to stored energy but directly to top growth. Early spring fertilization increases mowing with little benefit to the roots.

Remember, the roots are vital for good top growth. Poor roots result in poor blade development. The November fertilization is usually applied at about the time of the last mowing. This can be anytime from mid-month through Thanksgiving. Be sure to read and follow all label instructions.

Another season-ending chore is the control of tender germinating weeds. Dandelions, henbit and chickweed love early fall moisture and pop up in bare areas caused by summer stress. These young seedlings are easy to control with most broadleaf herbicides.

Treat the seedlings now with either liquid or granular products. Some weeds will be overlooked, so spot treatment or hand pulling may be necessary come spring. Fall applications are safer for non-target plants such as flowers, vegetables, trees and shrubs. Warm, windy spring days often result in herbicide drift and damage to many landscape plants. Apply broadleaf herbicides now while these other plants are dormant.

The season-ending mowing height should be the same as the fall season. Tall fescue and bluegrass should go into the winter months at a height of somewhere around 3 inches. Be sure to pick up the fallen leaves piled up on the lawn. A thick layer of soggy leaves covering the lawn will suffocate the grass come spring.

Mulch mowing is another option. This is the process of frequent mowing based not on grass growth but on the rate at which leaves fall and collect on the lawn. A thin layer of the leaves is mowed back into the turf. This is an efficient process that benefits the lawn when correctly done.

The lawn is an important feature of the landscape. Performing these end-of-season chores will help the lawn emerge in good condition next spring and be ready to withstand whatever the Kansas City weather has in store.

Dennis Patton is a horticulture agent with Kansas State University Research and Extension. Patton received two prestigious awards recently at the Extension Annual Conference in Manhattan, Kansas. The first recognition was for his 40 years of Extension work. The second award was for the K-State Outstanding Local Unit Extension Professional Award, which honors Patton’s support of the International Master Gardener Conference.

Need help? Contact the Johnson County Extension gardening hotline at 913-715-7050 or email garden.help@jocogov.org.