Fall lawn care tips require use of the elements

Lawns (a.k.a. turf) have gotten a bad rap of late. A lush lawn used to mean intensive water and fertilizer use. Today, however, the home gardener has a much greater understanding of the environment and local ecologies. We have many more organic products from which to choose, and the grass seed blends available at local garden centers are formulated specifically for our soil conditions and climate. A nicely edged lawn can be an integral part of good garden design, so if your lawn left much to be desired this summer, consider some of the following steps for fall lawn care.

First, start with light. If you are trying to grow grass in shade, you're looking at an uphill - and possibly futile - battle. Instead of following along on this fool's errand, consider replacing the lawn. Cultivate the naturally occurring moss (green, doesn't need clipping and handles traffic!). There are other groundcovers suited for shade, too: bunchberry (Cornus canadensis), epimedium, sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum), wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens), pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalus), lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), and dwarf periwinkle (Vinca minor). These evergreen groundcovers may not handle tough traffic, but will grace any well-placed stepping stones.

Local garden guru Cindy Combs has had success growing lawn in dappled shade by using a foliar spray of compost tea and Messenger(r), a "plant health regulator" containing harpin, a naturally occurring plant protein.

Second, have good soil. The idea that grass only has a one to three-inch root zone is a myth, say one of the compost tea gurus. If your soil is lightly compacted, wait until after a rain or irrigation cycle and use an aerator to decrease the compaction. You can rent an aerator, or have a lawn care company come do this for you.

If your soil is heavily compacted, rototill three to five inches of compost into the soil. Don't over-till! One time through is plenty! Over-tilling soil can damage the soil composition and microorganisms necessary for good soil health. Level the soil, and roll lightly for a smooth surface.

Next, use the right seed mix. Look for a mix of fine fescues and perennial ryegrass formulated for the Pacific Northwest. Ecoturf, or some variation on that name, is a seed mix that contains broadleaf perennials (strawberry clover, English daisy) with perennial ryegrass. It requires less mowing (once a month, they say), less fertilizer and less water.

If you already have a swell lawn, fertilize this month. Avoid fertilizers with built-in herbicides or high nitrogen content. Instead, look for organic fertilizers such as Garden's Alive WOW Plus! This product contains corn gluten, a natural seed germination suppressant. (That means those dandelion seeds won't be able to grow for next year.) With a well-balanced nutrient count, WOW Plus! releases nutrients gradually. (See gardensalive.com for product information.) Do not use WOW Plus! Before seeding a lawn, as it will prohibit the lawn seed from germinating!

Finally, keep newly seeded lawn watered. This shouldn't be a challenge in late September, but should this dry summer linger, make sure the lawn seed stays moist.