With the cool nights and warm days of Arizona fall finally on the horizon, our environment will become more welcoming to the growth of many fungi and mildew species that grow on plants. To help mitigate the risk of infection in your lawns, along with other potential issues, you should be careful to avoid overwatering in your landscape. 

Most fungus species thrive in moist environments created with excess amounts of water, especially here in the Valley where these environments are harder to come by for the fungus. To help avoid this issue, keep a close eye on your soil moisture levels and adjust your irrigation system as necessary. Moisture levels can be checked by using a soil probe in areas around your landscape. 

Adjusting when your irrigation system is run will also be an important factor. While beneficial in the summer, watering at night during the cooler months can allow any excess moisture to linger and invite fungal growth. 

For more tips on irrigation management and fungus treatment, visit https://www.dlcresources.com/learning-center .

As we enter fall, you may be preparing to apply winter Ryegrass seed to your lawn. To help you in the process, here are several selected tips to achieve the best results and keep your turf looking great!

Prior to beginning, your lawn should be prepared with dethatching, followed by mowing down with a low mower height. Dethatching will help to remove any excess turf and debris from your lawn, helping clear the way for seed to reach the soil. If you do not have dethatching equipment, it is typically available to rent from many home and garden stores. 

After the turf has been dethatched, set your mower heights to roughly ½ inch and move across all areas that you will be overseeding. Once the mow has been completed, it will be time to drop down the seed; approximately 10 to 15 pounds of seed should be applied for every 1000 square feet of turf.  

Once the seed is laid down, it is important to rake the turf. Raking through the lawn helps to make certain that the seed makes contact with the soil. It is important to be thorough as the seed cannot grow if it is not lying on the soil. With the seed on the soil, you should add a layer of mulch to help retain moisture. This covering should be no more than ¼ inch. 

Lastly, ensure that your sprinklers are set to keep the seed damp with watering throughout the day. If done properly, you should start to see Ryegrass sprouting after 10 to 14 days, mowing for the first time after approximately 3 weeks.  

If you are skipping fall overseeding this year, you should consider fertilizing your Bermuda this month. By fertilizing in the fall, you aid in the buildup and retention of valuable nutrients that your turf will store through winter. With the Bermuda entering dormancy soon, much of the fertilization will not be used to grow turf further this season; instead it will be absorbed into roots and stored for the winter. This extra boost in nutrients helps the turf to rest and regain strength, resulting in a stronger Bermuda crop next season. 

When selecting a fertilizer, be sure to purchase one rich in potassium, a key nutrient in turf growth. If you are unsure which is right for you, consult a professional at your local home store!
Visit https://www.dlcresources.com/learning-center for more information!