Fall is Prime Time for Lawns and Roses

Pink Rose Bush in Full Bloom

Indoors

Most people think that spring is the most exciting gardening season. And its true, after a long winter, a gardens rebirth in spring is a glorious celebration of the season ahead. But fall is an equally important and enjoyable time of year. For example, many rose lovers will tell you that fall is their favorite rose season, especially in milder parts of the country. That’s when most healthy roses put on their second heavy flush of bloom. Since the plants are bigger at this time of year, and the days are getting cooler rather than warmer, there is usually more and, often, longer lasting flowers.

And when it comes to cool-season lawns, fall is without a doubt the most important time of year. The care you give your lawn now will ensure a healthy, good-looking turf next spring and summer.

Here’s what you need to do this fall to keep your roses and lawns in tip-top shape.

Fall Rose Care

The length of fall bloom of roses will vary from area to area. In mild parts of the southwest and southeast, it’s not uncommon for roses to bloom until Christmas. In cold winter climates, roses will only bloom until the first fall frost, which may be only weeks away.

Wherever you live, here are some tips to keep your roses colorful long into fall.

Fertilize. Applying a high nitrogen fertilizer now will ensure the vigorous growth needed for a healthy bloom in a few weeks. For double-duty feeding and insect control (more on this below), use Bayer Advanced Garden 2-in-1 Systemic Rose and Flower Care If you live in cold winter areas and the average date is less than 6 weeks away, it better not to fertilize.

Prune. If you live in mild winter areas and your plants are looking a little dreary after a long, hot summer, you may also want to cut back the plants by one-third. Hedge shears will work fine if you are short on time.

Deadhead. No matter where you garden, be vigilant about removing spent flowers (ones that have withered and dried up). If you are growing shrubs, floribundas or other roses that bloom in clusters, you can lightly shear off the old flowers. When deadheading hybrid teas, cut the stems back to the first leaf with five leaflets (higher ones will have only three).

Water. If the weather stays hot and dry, make sure to water your roses on a regular basis.

Control pests. With the cooler days and nights, some pests will be less troublesome, others will be on the increase. Black spot will be waning but powdery mildew will be on the rise. Either way, if you control these diseases now, you have less problems next year. If necessary, apply a properly labeled fungicide. You may want to try the new botanical fungicide, neem oil, which can be very effective against foliage diseases. If insects like aphids or Japanese Beetles raise their ugly heads, use Bayer Advanced™ Dual Action Rose & Flower Insect Killer Ready-To-Use, or you could combine feeding and insect control by using Bayer Advanced™ 2-in-1 Systemic Rose & Flower Care Granules.

Fall care for cool season lawns.

The work you do now on your bluegrass or fescue lawns will pay off big time later this fall and next spring.

Fertilize. Most important, apply a high nitrogen lawn food according to labeled instructions. Fertilizing now will make sure you lawn looks good all winter and spring in mild winter areas, and ensures the turf will bounce back in spring where winters are cold.

Aerate and dethatch. If your lawn is thinning and weak-looking, aerate prior to fertilizing. If it has a thick layer of thatch (the spongy mat of organic debris between the leaves and roots that blocks water and air penetration) use a vertical mower or dethatcher to remove it. Both aerators and dethatchers can be rented at local rental yards.

Plant. Fall also the best time to plant cool season lawns from sod or seed, so start a new lawn or repair thin areas of your existing turf. You can also overseed warm season lawns with cool season grasses to keep them green all winter in southern areas.

Water and mow. Don’t let up on regular lawn care. Water less as the days get cooler, but don’t let your lawn dry out. Mow regularly.

Control grubs. Late summer and fall can be the most active time for grubs. If you have seen those irregular brown spots or have found grubs, apply Bayer Advanced™ 24-Hour Grub Killer Plus Granules. It’s highly effective formula offers overnight results against grubs. Nothing works faster for control for lawn grubs.