FAIRBANKS - It is time to think about getting the lawn ready for winter. There are still lots of things to do to ensure the lawn makes it through the winter and has a strong spring greenup. In the fall, it is important to fertilize, kill moss, mow and control weeds. It also is not too late to plant a new lawn.

New lawn

August is a good time to plant a new lawn. Cooler temperatures and abundance of late summer rain help seeds germinate and grow without midsummer stresses. There is adequate time for new plants to put a root system down for winter. Apply 1 to 4 inches of topsoil, level and roll to compact the surface. Fertilize right before planting at a rate of 15 pounds of

10-20-10 per 1,000 square feet. Broadcast a grass seed mix developed for Arctic conditions. If dry or windy conditions are expected, mulch with straw at a rate of one bale per 5,000 square feet.

Kill moss

Moss competes with grass for water and nutrients. There is a misconception that applying lime will get rid of moss. This is not true because Alaska moss will grow in acid and alkaline soils. Apply a moss killer made for lawns that contains iron sulfate. Moss control fertilizer can be applied with a fertilizer spreader. It will feed the grass while killing the moss.

Fertilize

Turf managers are aware that fall is an important time to fertilize with a low nitrogen and high potassium fertilizer. Low nitrogen applications build plant reserves to survive the winter and green up in the spring. Potassium is essential for winter hardiness. Apply 7 pounds of granular fertilizer such as

10-20-20 per 1,000 square feet in August. This is the rate recommended for a healthy lawn with good color. If the lawn is pale green or yellow, apply 16-16-16 at the same rate. 

Mowing

Alaska lawns are planted with Kentucky bluegrass and red fescue. These cool season grasses grow fast in the fall and should be mowed weekly. Mow the lawn 2 1/2 to 3 inches tall. Mowing too short will weaken cool season grasses by increasing respiration, increasing the use of plant nutrients and weakening photosynthesis because of defoliation. Grass left too long during winter attracts voles and mice. These rodents tunnel into the lawn, building nests and destroying roots. Come spring, the lawn is uneven and filled with holes. If you have been using a mulching mower, continue using it until it snows. I have found you can even mulch mow the fall leaves without harming the lawn.

Mushrooms

Many Alaska lawns are filled with mushrooms that grow on thick thatch and tree roots. Thatching every three years helps keep excess organic matter from accumulating. If you like trees, you will have to put up with some mushrooms. Moss control fertilizer will greatly reduce mushroom numbers and can be used on an annual basis.

Patching

dead areas

August also is a good time to patch dead areas. For small areas, aggressively rake the dead grass to expose as much dirt as possible. Seed with an Arctic grass seed mix. Cover the seeds with a 1/4 to 1/2 inch topsoil or compost. Compost will supply nutrients, retain moisture and control diseases. For large areas, consider renting a top seeder. This piece of equipment slices the old sod and places seed in the dirt where it will readily germinate.

If you take pride in your lawn, fall is the time to start getting ready for spring. Don’t forget to put the lawn to bed with a good meal. Hopefully, we will have a nice blanket of snow to keep the grass snug until spring’s warmth returns.

Michele Hébert is the Tanana District agriculture and horticulture agent for the Cooperative Extension Service, a part of the University of Alaska Fairbanks, working in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.