Dakota Gardener: Now is the Best Time to Improve Your Lawn

By Tom Kalb

Now is the best time of the year to fertilize your lawn. The secret to a great lawn is a strong root system, and lawns develop most of their roots in the fall.  

Nitrogen is most important for turf growth. Look for a fertilizer that has over 20% nitrogen. Select a fertilizer with slow-release nitrogen. This will gradually feed the grass until the ground freezes.

Early September is the optimal time for fertilizing.

Do you have bare spots in your lawn? Now is the best time to sow grass. The ground is warm and the seeds will germinate quickly.

Choose a quality seed mix that contains a blend of grasses. Most seed mixes include varieties of Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescues, and perennial ryegrass.