Addressing Drought Damage in Your Lawn This Fall

It has been a challenging growing season for many lawns. The heat and drought conditions have had a significant impact, leaving our lawns crispy rather than lush and green.

During prolonged periods of hot, dry weather, lawns enter a state of drought-induced dormancy. Depending on the care your lawn received during the drought, you may find bare patches or larger areas where the grass has suffered so you will need to expand your typical fall lawn maintenance tasks to tackle the damage caused by the drought.

## Optimal Timing for Lawn Repair

Fall is the ideal time to restore dead or struggling areas of your lawn, as the weather conditions become favourable for grass growth.

### Overseeding: A Solution for Thinning Lawns

Overseeding involves applying grass seed to an existing lawn to enhance its thickness. This method is particularly effective for sections of thin or sparse lawns, especially those affected by drought. If only parts of your lawn were harmed by drought or diseases during the hot, dry spell, you may only need to repair the dead spots.

However, if your lawn is entirely bare, overseeding is not the answer; you will need to reseed. For guidance on this, check out our other blog titled “Sowing Grass Seed: Starting from Scratch.”

### Ideal Conditions for Germination

Grass seed germinates best when nighttime temperatures are in the 50s, coinciding with similar soil temperatures. Fall is the optimal time for seeding, while spring is the second-best option.

## Steps for Successful Lawn Repair

- **Rake Thoroughly:** Use a simple leaf rake to expose as much of the existing soil surface as possible. This will ensure good seed-to-soil contact during overseeding, enhancing the germination rate.
- **Apply Triple Mix:** Spread a thin layer of triple mix over the bare areas.

- **Distribute Grass Seed:** Evenly apply grass seed to the bare spots.
- **Lightly Rake Again:** Gently rake the seed into the layer of triple mix, allowing it to settle into both the new soil and existing ground, protecting it from the sun and birds.
- **Maintain Moisture:** Keep the seeded areas moist until the seeds have fully germinated and the new grass fills in the gaps. We recommend watering daily for at least two weeks, though it may take up to a month.

The best time to seed your lawn is early fall, when evening temperatures drop and morning dew is heavier, typically between mid-August and late September. Grass that establishes itself in the fall will be more vigorous come spring.

### Fertilization Tips

- **First Application:** Fertilize in early spring or mid-April once the grass begins to grow.
- **Second Application:** Apply fertilizer around late spring or early summer to encourage further growth.
- **End-of-Summer Application:** Fertilize again at the end of summer to prepare your lawn for the cooler months.
- **Final Application:** The last fertilization should occur in early fall to support root growth and ready your lawn for winter.

Visit Garry's Garden Gallery for all the products you need to repair your lawn. If you have any further questions, our knowledgeable staff is here to provide expert advice.