Lawn care going into fall

[wartknight]

Lawn took a beating this summer. I got some fertilizer on it before last weekend's rain and it has started to green up again, but I'm wondering about what order/when I should get the following done as we head into fall-
Aerate
De-Thatch
Overseed
Fall fertilizer

[CycloneYoda]

Instead of raking leaves this year, run a mower over them.

[ISUAgronomist]

Don't forget that fall is the best time to controlling your dandelions (or other perennial broadleaves).

[2020cy]

Just talked to a guy that said get a weed killer called Redeem and spray yard late fall. He said it wipes out all the weeds, even creeping charlie. Have to get it at the local Co Op evidently.

[Senolcyc]

Aerating is unnecessary. One of the biggest scams of the lawn care industry, and there are many. As for "de-thatching" a good vigorous raking once a year is more than sufficient. Definitely seed and definitely fertilize. Boom, you're done, enjoy your fall and winter.

Lawn took a beating this summer. I got some fertilizer on it before last weekend's rain and it has started to green up again, but I'm wondering about what order/when I should get the following done as we head into fall-
Aerate
De-Thatch
Overseed
Fall fertilizer

[ISUAgronomist]

Just talked to a guy that said get a weed killer called Redeem and spray yard late fall. He said it wipes out all the weeds, even creeping charlie. Have to get it at the local Co Op evidently.

Should work well on broadleaves. It's not restricted use (no applicator's license required for purchase) though it's not specifically registered for residential use.

Triclopyr + Clopyralid from Dow

http://www.beyondpesticides.org/dow/...deem%20r&P.pdf

[Bigman38]

Question for you more knowledgeable people:

I plan on using weedkiller to get my clover under control, when should I stop spraying and start seeding? And when should I fertilize?

[wartknight]

Aerating is unnecessary. One of the biggest scams of the lawn care industry, and there are many. As for "de-thatching" a good vigorous raking once a year is more than sufficient. Definitely seed and definitely fertilize. Boom, you're done, enjoy your fall and winter.

THat's what my de-thatching will be this year. Metal rake. I remember reading somewhere that fall or early spring is the best time to do that. True?

I have a yard that is super hard. I was told that aerating would be a good way to soften things up a little. Is there a better way?

[CycloneYoda]

THat's what my de-thatching will be this year. Metal rake. I remember reading somewhere that fall or early spring is the best time to do that. True?

I have a yard that is super hard. I was told that aerating would be a good way to soften things up a little. Is there a better way?

You could water religiously. It will soften things up.

[CykoAGR]

Lawn took a beating this summer. I got some fertilizer on it before last weekend's rain and it has started to green up again, but I'm wondering about what order/when I should get the following done as we head into fall-
Aerate
De-Thatch
Overseed
Fall fertilizer

I dont think you need to do both Aerate and dethatch. Typically one or the other is sufficient if needed at all.

I had a bad experience (my own fault) dethatching (power-rake) and I scapled a bit of my lawn so I dont plan on using mechanical dethatching again unless I dont have another option. Again this is my fault for not setting the machine properly but Im going to try to eliminate the risk.

Follow your normal fertilization schedule if you have one. Typically a fall fertlizer application is in Sept-Oct so I would wait a couple more weeks if this is your goal.

If you choose to dethatch definately do that before any seeding. I would also fertilize and ensure that you have either gotten a rain or watered fertilizer in prior to seeding.

Typically want to overseed when temps are cool and moisture is increasing. This typically happens in that early-mid Sept timeframe.