FALL LAWN TIPS
FOR
THE LOWER MAINLAND, BC :
MOWING:
Grass growth is primarily a function of temperature. Continue cutting until cold weather shuts down the top growth completely. As fall rains soften the soil it is even more important to change direction each mow so as to avoid creating permanent ruts in the lawn.
As the lawn shuts down, gradually reduce mowing height to allow better air circulation and reduce the chance of disease.
With rain and heavy dews it is difficult to mulch clippings so we usually need to bag at this time of year. Remember to turn your compost pile periodically allowing air in to feed the composting process.
AERATING:
Fall is an ideal time to aerate our lawns. Competition from weeds is far less than in the spring, and turf grasses start storing food in their root systems which continue to expand until December.
FALL/WINTER FERTILIZER:
A good slow release feeding at this time of year increases root development and sets the lawn up for the spring. The grass plants will store the food in their root system and use it when the warm weather returns in the spring. Because the roots continue to expand and deepen long after top growth shuts down, this is the most important feeding of the season. This results in quick green-up next year and a hardening off for winter.
New sod lawns in many new subdivisions have a sand base which will not retain nutrients for the winter and as a result many people will fertilize again a final time in late November or early December.
TREE & SHRUB FEEDING:
It takes years for our trees and shrubs to become established in our landscapes and only a few dollars per year to protect them. A fall deep root feeding will improve their root systems and help them cope with summer drought. In addition, a healthy plant has a much better chance of resisting insects and disease attacks.
Deep root feeding is especially important in the city where there is no new sources of food like there is in the natural forest which recycles leaves and other dead plant materials that are left to compost on the forest floor.
RENOVATIONS:
Early fall, generally up to the end of September, is the ideal time to rejuvenate old lawns or repair drought damage. Competition from weeds is minimal in the fall and we can expect cooler temperatures, heavy dews and regular rainfall to help us keep the seeds moist for germination.
LEAVES:
It is important to remove leaves and other debris from the lawn, which come down through the fall and over the winter. If they are allowed to remain they will kill the grass in only a matter of weeks. Then we will have bare spots, which are an invitation for moss and weeds to move in.
PRUNING:
Deciduous trees and shrubs that flower on new wood can be pruned through the fall and winter. Remove dead, diseased or dying branches and thin out the centre to allow air movement. A common error is to take too much off our trees, which results in an abundance of unsightly water shoots in the spring.
GRUB UPDATE:
The European Chafer Grub, a common problem in Ontario and the eastern U.S., arrived in New Westminster in 2001. In just a few short years the Chafer has found its way westward across New West, South Burnaby and has now crossed Boundary Road into Vancouver and pushed as far west as Cambie Street . They have gone east as far as Mariner Way in Coquitlam but not over the mountain yet into Port moody. We also confirmed one case in North Delta near 64 Ave and Scott Road . We expect them to travel along the major arteries from Burnaby/Vancouver into neighboring cities.
The damage to lawns is much worse than the leather jackets that we are used to here, and is completely devastating. While the grubs are feeding on the grass roots, raccoons, skunks, and crows tear up the lawn to feed on the grubs. An entire neighbourhood can look like a disaster area in short order. By the time we can see the damage it is too late to attempt control. Learn more about the Chafer Grub.
To remove and re-turf your lawn now costs from $1 to $2 per square foot depending on the size, so the economic damage of these pests has been substantial to date and is going to get a lot worse.
GRUB DAMAGE FEB/08
Treated Untreated
Controls are applied from mid-June to mid-July. If you miss this window then your next opportunity will be next year. Call our office to discuss your options.
OTHER INSECTS:
Leather jacket activity has been on the decline in most areas while Wireworms and Sod Webworms are becoming more prevalent. A healthy turf is your best defense against insect problems.
 
|
Vancouver, Richmond 
Customer Program Choices 
Five
Balanced Fertilizations
soil's pH and maximize our 
Specials
Discount
Card 
