Why Turf Renovaton Is Best Done In Fall

Most turf management professional agree that the most beneficial nutrient application of the year is in the late fall. Fall applications are beneficial to turf, or any plant for that matter, because of slowed top growth and increased root growth at this time of year. Specific benefits of late fall fertilization include the establishment of optimally healthy turf before the onset of winter stresses, increased root mass and an overall healthier plant with quicker spring green-up without excessive growth surge.

Fall is the ideal time of year to stimulate root growth and prepare the plant for spring. Plants require a strong, healthy root system to absorb water and nutrients and transport them to the leaves and stems. Fall is the time of year when energy derived from fertilizer nutrients can be especially beneficial to the root system. Increased root growth occurs in the fall more than at any other time of the year – just because the top growth may appear to be dormant does not mean the root system is dormant.

Urea nitrogen will not leach when soil temperatures dip below 50 degrees F. However, root formation will continue even after top growth ceases. Supplementing the plant with nutrients in the fall will aid in increasing root growth through the storage of carbohydrates (energy reserves). Because of a decreased photoperiod and cooler temperatures, the roots commence storing carbohydrates that were synthesized during photosynthesis.

Nitrogen plays an important role in plant physiology, but potassium is also essential regarding winter hardening by promoting cell wall development. Both nutrients are crucial to overall plant health. When selecting a fertilizer for the fall, a balanced ratio of nitrogen to potash, along with phosphorus, will help contribute to overall plant health. Research has determined that the advantages of late fall fertilizer applications include:
Extended color into the late fall and early winter months
Quick, early spring green-up without excessive growth surge
Improved turf density, which reduces weed pressure
Increased root growth, which increases drought resistance
Overall healthier turf with better resistance to disease, insects and other stress.
Key component in the formation of carbohydrates – food for the plant
Encourages drought and cold tolerance
Key component in cell wall strength and disease.


Proper turf grass nutrition requires a year-round program based on soil test results and other factors, but late fall fertilization represents one of the most important applications of all. LESCO/John Deere Landscapes recommends a balanced fertilizer for late fall applications to provide professionally managed turf grass with the proper nutritional elements for continued growth, hardiness and enhanced root development through out the fall and early winter.