Preparing for cooler weather

October has arrived, and we are finally beginning to see some relief from the summer heat here in the Lowcountry. While we can still expect plenty of warm afternoons, our mornings and evenings are beginning to cool down, reminding us that fall is officially here. These changing temperatures bring welcome relief for those of us spending time outdoors, but they also signal important changes for our lawns and landscapes.

As we have discussed in previous months, soil temperature plays a major role in plant activity. With cooler nights and shorter days, our warm-season grasses will gradually begin slowing their growth as they prepare for winter dormancy. Because of this, we want to begin adjusting some of our regular maintenance practices, particularly mowing and watering.

One of the biggest adjustments we recommend this time of year is reducing irrigation. As temperatures drop and grass growth slows, our lawns require less water than they did during the summer. We recommend paying close attention to rainfall and adjusting irrigation schedules accordingly. Overwatering during the fall can create favorable conditions for fungal activity, especially when combined with cooler nighttime temperatures. Water only when needed, preferably in the early morning.

Speaking of fungus, October is an important month to watch for large patch disease. This fungus commonly affects our centipede, St. Augustine and zoysia lawns as temperatures begin to cool. Homeowners may notice circular areas of yellow or orange discoloration that gradually expand throughout the lawn. Catching these issues early and applying appropriate fungicide treatments can help prevent significant damage before the grass enters dormancy.

Although temperatures are cooling, insect activity has not completely slowed. We are still seeing sod webworm activity in lawns throughout our area. These insects feed on grass blades, leaving behind thinning or brown patches that can easily be mistaken for drought stress or fungus.

We are also seeing whitefly activity in viburnum shrubs. If you notice small white insects flying around your shrubs when disturbed or leaves beginning to yellow, it may be worth taking a closer look. Identifying these pests early can help prevent further damage.

Another important consideration this month is fall pre-emergent weed control. As soil temperatures begin dropping, winter weeds such as annual bluegrass, chickweed and henbit will begin germinating. Applying pre-emergent weed control at the appropriate time can greatly reduce the number of weeds appearing throughout the winter and into early spring.

Lastly, we want to avoid encouraging unnecessary growth with heavy nitrogen fertilizer applications this late in the season. Our goal is to allow the grass to naturally prepare for dormancy rather than encouraging tender new growth that may be damaged by colder temperatures.

While our lawns may not require quite as much attention as they did during the summer, the steps we take during the fall can make a significant difference in how they perform next spring. By adjusting our watering habits, staying ahead of weeds and monitoring for insects and fungus, we can help our lawns finish the growing season healthy and prepared for the cooler months ahead.

Zach Deloach is the owner of Lawn Doctor of Beaufort County.