Can You Grow Grass in the Fall?

Benefits

• Seeding a lawn in the fall allows grass to grow without interference from many common springtime weeds. Shorter fall days and longer nights also encourage moisture in the newly seeded lawn, aiding in germination. By the time winter arrives, seedlings have developed strong roots and can withstand the cold temperatures without sustaining damage.

Timing

• Seeding a lawn in early fall provides ample time for germination and root development before winter. Other options include dormant seeding, the practice of spreading seed in late fall or early winter. This seed stays dormant in the lawn until warm spring temperatures arrive, triggering germination and growth. Loosening soil to ensure good contact with seeds provides the best results. This process also works best when snow covers the seeds, protecting them from the weather conditions.

Tips

• Fertilizing new grass in the early fall encourages active growth. Avoid fertilizing too late in the fall, as it does not benefit grass one the ground has frozen and may cause excessive growth too soon, leading to winter damage. Adding organic matter, adjusting soil pH and keeping the new lawn well watered ensures optimal growth throughout the fall.

Warning

• The best time for growing grass in the fall depends on the area in which you live. New grass needs approximately one month to grow enough to be cold-hardy. Before this time, temperatures below freezing may damage the new seed, rendering your seeding useless. Mulching newly spread seed helps protect it if temperatures hover around the freezing point. If you do not have adequate time for grass to establish itself this fall, simply wait until spring to reseed the lawn.