This is the month when lawns start to go dormant for the winter. They will slow down in their growth and harden off in preparation for the cooler temperatures of fall and winter. As the temperatures cool down, Large Patch Disease starts attacking the grass as it goes dormant. If there is an area of the lawn where this disease has been a problem in the past, spraying a preventative application of a fungicide that is labeled for the control of Large Patch Disease is recommended, to keep the grass from having issues this year.

Another way to help prevent fall and spring diseases from being a major issue is to fertilize with some potassium. Nitrogen isn’t needed at this time of the year, but potassium will help the lawn to harden off better and make it less susceptible to disease pathogens. For most lawns, 2 pounds of potash (0-0-60) per 1,000 square feet is recommended. If you haven’t taken a soil sample to check the nutrient levels in your lawn, then submitting a soil sample may reveal the need more potassium.