By late summer, some lawns show signs of stress and weeds may exploit thin areas. Cincinnati homeowners can take advantage of late summer to control weeds and help the lawn recover before fall. This article outlines weed control and recovery steps for August and early September.
Inspect your lawn for weeds like crabgrass, spurge and yellow nutsedge that thrive in summer heat. Hand pull or spot treat these weeds with selective herbicides while they are still young. Mow at the highest recommended height to shade the soil and prevent further germination. Water deeply if rainfall is scarce but avoid over watering as some weeds prefer moist conditions.
Encourage recovery by overseeding thin spots and applying a balanced fertilizer in early September. aeration and topdressing help improve soil structure and provide a good seedbed. Continue mowing and watering as needed while seedlings establish. Address any compacted areas and adjust irrigation coverage. These actions help your lawn transition from summer stress to vigorous growth in fall.
Mowing practices are a cornerstone of lawn care. Set your mower blades high and remove no more than one third of the grass blade at a time. Taller grass shades the soil surface and makes it harder for weed seeds to germinate. Sharp blades produce a clean cut that heals quickly. Mow when the grass is dry and vary the mowing direction to reduce soil compaction.
Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep roots. Most lawns require about one inch of water per week from rainfall or irrigation. Watering early in the morning reduces evaporation and disease risk. On heavy clay soils, divide the weekly irrigation into two or more sessions to allow absorption. Avoid daily sprinkling because it leads to shallow roots and higher weed pressure.
Apply a slow release fertilizer only when grass is actively growing. Cool season grasses in Southwest Ohio begin active growth once soil temperatures reach about sixty degrees. For most homeowners this means waiting until mid to late May. A soil test reveals nutrient levels and pH, helping you adjust with lime or sulfur if needed. Over fertilizing encourages rapid top growth at the expense of roots and can lead to runoff.
Core aeration relieves compaction by removing small plugs of soil and thatch. The holes allow air, water and nutrients to penetrate more deeply and stimulate root growth. Aeration is most effective when the lawn is actively growing and the soil is moist. For cool season grasses this is usually early fall, but severely compacted lawns may benefit from spring aeration. Leave the cores on the surface to break down naturally.
Healthy turf naturally suppresses many weeds, but monitoring and prompt control are still necessary. Apply a pre emergent herbicide in early spring to prevent annual weeds like crabgrass from germinating. Hand pull or spot treat broadleaf weeds while they are small. If you notice invasive weeds, address them quickly to prevent seeding and spreading. Integrated weed management combines cultural practices, manual removal and selective herbicides when needed.
Late summer is an opportunity to correct weed problems and strengthen your lawn. By combining targeted weed control with overseeding and soil improvement, Cincinnati homeowners set the stage for a healthy lawn in the coming season.
Monitor weather forecasts when planning herbicide applications because rain soon after treatment can wash products off foliage. Prioritize treating perennial weeds while they are actively moving nutrients to their roots because systemic herbicides are more effective at this time. Keep detailed notes on weed outbreaks to adjust your management plan next year.
Lawn Impressions LLC is your trusted local lawn care expert serving Franklin, Lebanon, Dayton, Cincinnati and surrounding areas. Located at 3407 Pennyroyal Road, Franklin, Ohio 45005, we've been treating Ohio's unique clay soil and climate challenges for over a decade.
We proudly serve Warren County, Butler County, and Montgomery County including: Franklin, Lebanon, Dayton, Springboro, Centerville, Beavercreek, Middletown, Hamilton, West Chester, and Cincinnati.
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