Fall is perfect time to plant a lawn

Steve Kawaratani

“No more turkey, but I’d like some more of the bread it ate.”

-- HANK KETCHUM

“Here’s to Gibby!”

-- ANONYMOUS

The aftermath of Thanksgiving dinner and leftovers will likely

induce guilt-driven exercise for many of us. Getting into the garden

and mowing the lawn is a great way to purge the system of excess

calories. If the gardener already cut your grass this week, then you

can simply enjoy its emerald glory. Or, if your lawn area is still in

the planning stage, read on and install it this first holiday season

weekend.

There is no question that lawns sown in the fall are usually more

successful than those begun at other times of the year. The reasons

are obvious enough, moderate temperatures allow for rapid seed

germination and the new lawn enters the winter encountering almost no

weed competition. Autumn days provide ideal sunlight and warmth and

there is even the possibility of early rainfall. Winter storms, which

sometimes continue through the early spring, allow the sprinkler

clock to stay on “rain.”

Fall planting of a lawn should be undertaken as soon as the final

vestiges of warmer weather have passed -- which means now through mid

December. Once the “real” rainy season begins, conditions are no

longer as ideal. Of course, the seeded area should be thoroughly

cleared of the summer accumulation of weeds and just as thoroughly

prepared as for any spring planting.

A good lawn always begins with a good soil preparation for grass

roots. In Laguna, I generally recommend adding four yards of redwood

compost and the addition of 150 pounds each of gypsite and Gro-Power

per 1,000 square feet. These materials need to be thoroughly

incorporated into the soil at a depth of 6 to 12 inches. Rake and

roll the area thoroughly, insuring that all lumps are broken up and

the soil left is in as smooth and fine condition as possible.

Early-morning sowing is advised to avoid afternoon winds. Rake the

seed lightly into the soil. Apply 1/4 inch layer mulch over the seed

to protect it from drying out and from birds. Keep the mulch dark

with water until the grass begins popping up. Water gently. Don’t

wash the seeds out. In four to six weeks, you’ll have a great lawn!

Climatic considerations aid in selecting the right type of grass

for Laguna. Although our temperate locale and the current

availability of irrigated water allow the use of cool-season grasses

like bluegrass and bent grass, I recommend the tall fescues

(Southland’s Marathon is a well-know brand), because they require

less water and stay green year-around (unlike the hybrid Bermudas or

St. Augustine grass).

When travels find us away from Laguna, Catharine and I miss the

ocean. It’s part of the lure that keeps us at the beach. We have

discovered, however, that a patch of grass in a secluded spot can

usually be found anywhere. It is the green spaces that always seem to

enhance our visiting experiences. It is true, however, that the grass

is somehow greener back home. See you next time.

* STEVE KAWARATANI is the owner of Landscapes by Laguna Nursery,

1540 S. Coast Highway in Laguna Beach. He is married to local writer,

Catharine Cooper, and has three cats. He can be reached at (949)

497-2438, or e-mail to steve@lagunanursery.com.