Sure, you don’t feel like doing it. After all, this is the Summer month when when we should be enjoying our amazing weather. September, however, is the best time of the year for several lawn chores here in Minnesota. Our cool season grasses respond best to fertilizer and weed and thatch control better now than any other time of the year.

1. Fertilize

The experts suggest that if you only fertilize once a year, do so around Labor Day. If you choose to fertilize twice a year, do so on or around May Day and then again around Labor Day. If you feel your lawn needs one more application, wait until Halloween and do so then.

The folks at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture say that the September fertilizer allows the lawn’s new growth to harden off gradually and it will be less likely to experience winter kill.

2. Aeration/Dethatching

Some thatch ― an organic layer of both dead and living grass that develops below the green vegetation in your lawn ― is good for it. Excessive thatch, on the other hand causes several problems, such as blocking oxygen from the lawn’s root system.

Determine if your lawn requires dethatching by cutting a wedge from the lawn, about two inches deep. If the thatch layer is greater than ½-inch you should consider dethatching the lawn, and September is the best time to do so in Blaine.

You’ll need to use either a vertical mower or a power rake, both available for rent at Home Depot or All Seasons Rental.

If you won’t be dethatching this year you owe it to yourself to at least aerate the lawn. Not only does this allow the grass to absorb more water, oxygen and nutrients but it helps to prevent thatch as well. Use a mechanical core or plug aerator (also available to rent).

3. Broadleaf Weed Control

September is also the ideal time of year to get rid of pesky broadleaf weeds in your Minnesota lawn. The most common broadleaf weeds in our area include dandelion, ground ivy, plantain, clover and knotweed.

Use a selective post-emergence herbicide, such as Bayer Advanced Weed Killer for Lawns or Spectracide Weed Stop for Lawns. Although these products kill the weeds without harming the lawn, they may damage or killing nearby trees, flowers and shrubs, so use caution. Apply the herbicide on a windless day and cover any plants in close proximity to the application site