Category: Lawn Maintenance Tips

Fall Yard Cleanup in Minnesota: The Benefits of Mulching Leaves, Preparing Your Lawn for Winter, and Cutting Back Perennials

Posted on | by Organic Lawns by Lunseth

As autumn settles into Minnesota, cooler temperatures, colorful leaves, and shorter days signal that winter is just around the corner. While it may be tempting to put yard work on hold until spring, fall is one of the most important times to prepare your yard for the months ahead.

A fall cleanup does more than make your yard look tidy. It helps protect your lawn, supports healthy soil, and prepares your plants to withstand Minnesota’s long, cold winter. From mulching fallen leaves to preparing your lawn for dormancy and cutting back perennials, a few well-timed tasks can make a big difference in the health of your landscape next spring.

At LUNSETH, we believe that healthy landscapes start with working alongside nature. Here’s how environmentally conscious fall yard care can help your Minnesota property thrive.

1. Mulching Leaves: Turn Fall Debris Into a Natural Resource

When leaves begin falling across your lawn, your first instinct might be to grab the rake or leaf blower. But before hauling those leaves away, consider a more sustainable option: mulching.

Mulching leaves allows you to recycle valuable organic material directly back into your lawn. Instead of sending leaves to a landfill or removing nutrients from your property, you can return some of nature’s resources to the soil.

Why is mulching leaves beneficial?

  • Returns nutrients to the soil: As finely chopped leaves break down, they release nutrients and organic matter that support soil health.
  • Supports beneficial soil organisms: Decomposing leaf material provides food for organisms that help maintain a healthy soil ecosystem.
  • Improves soil quality over time: Leaf-derived organic matter can contribute to better soil structure and moisture retention.
  • Reduces yard waste: Mulching helps minimize the need to bag and dispose of leaves.
  • Saves time and effort: With the right mowing equipment, you can often mulch leaves as part of your regular fall lawn maintenance.

How to mulch leaves correctly

The key to successful leaf mulching is making sure the leaves are chopped into small pieces that can settle between grass blades.

Use a mulching mower to run over dry or lightly damp leaves, breaking them into fine fragments. Depending on the amount of leaf cover, you may need to make several passes or mulch some of the leaves separately.

A good rule of thumb is to keep mowing until most of the leaf material has settled into the turf rather than forming a thick layer on top.

Avoid leaving heavy blankets of leaves on your lawn. Thick, matted layers can block sunlight and restrict airflow, potentially damaging grass as winter approaches. If the leaf volume is too great to mulch effectively, collect the excess and use it as compost or garden mulch.

Why this matters for Minnesota lawns

Minnesota’s cool-season grasses benefit from healthy soil and adequate sunlight as they prepare for winter. Mulching manageable amounts of leaves can help support soil health while reducing waste.

It’s a simple, practical way to make your fall yard care routine more sustainable without sacrificing lawn quality.

2. Preparing Your Lawn for Dormancy: Help Your Grass Weather the Winter

As temperatures drop, your lawn begins transitioning toward winter dormancy. Cool-season grasses common in Minnesota, including Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and fine fescues, generally slow their top growth as conditions become colder.

Dormancy is a natural survival strategy. Grass conserves energy and waits for favorable growing conditions to return in spring.

Although you can’t prevent winter stress entirely, proper fall maintenance can help your lawn enter dormancy in the best possible condition.

Keep mowing as needed

Don’t stop mowing simply because the calendar says it’s fall. Continue mowing while the grass is actively growing, gradually adjusting to seasonal conditions.

Before winter sets in, aim for a final mowing height appropriate for your grass type, generally around 2 to 2.5 inches for many Minnesota lawns.

Grass left excessively long may mat down under snow, while cutting it too short can reduce its ability to tolerate winter stress. Avoid removing too much leaf blade in a single mowing.

Keep leaves and debris under control

Even if you mulch most of your leaves, it’s important to remove excess debris from the lawn before winter.

Heavy leaf cover can limit sunlight and airflow, creating conditions that may contribute to turf damage and snow mold. Clearing the lawn of fallen branches and other debris also helps protect the grass during dormancy.

Water when conditions call for it

Fall watering can be beneficial when rainfall is limited, particularly while grass is still actively growing and when newly seeded areas need consistent moisture.

If autumn is unusually dry, watering before the ground freezes can help prevent drought stress. Avoid overwatering, and follow local watering restrictions.

Apply nutrients thoughtfully

Fall can be an excellent time to support cool-season lawns with a well-timed nutrient application. However, these should be selected and applied according to the lawn’s nutrient needs, soil conditions, and applicable Minnesota regulations.

Organic lawn care emphasizes building healthy soil and avoiding unnecessary applications. A soil test can help determine whether additional nutrients are needed and guide an appropriate treatment plan.

Protect your lawn from unnecessary stress

As your lawn prepares for winter, try to minimize excessive foot traffic on frozen or dormant grass. Avoid parking vehicles on the turf, and keep heavy equipment off vulnerable areas.

These small precautions can reduce the risk of compaction and damage that may otherwise become apparent when spring arrives.

The goal of fall lawn preparation isn’t to keep grass growing all winter. It’s to help your lawn enter dormancy healthy, protected, and ready to recover when warmer weather returns.

3. Cutting Back Perennials: Know What to Trim and What to Leave

As temperatures cool, many perennial plants begin to fade and prepare for winter dormancy. Cutting back certain plants can help maintain a tidy landscape and reduce the risk of some overwintering plant diseases.

However, not every perennial should be cut back in the fall.

An environmentally conscious approach means knowing which plants benefit from fall pruning and which are better left standing until spring.

Which perennials should you cut back?

Some herbaceous perennials benefit from fall cleanup, particularly if their foliage is diseased, damaged, or likely to harbor pests.

Depending on the species and its condition, these may include:

  • Daylilies: Remove dead or declining foliage when appropriate, especially if disease is present.
  • Peonies: Cut back foliage after it dies back in fall to help reduce the risk of overwintering fungal disease.
  • Hostas: Remove collapsed or diseased foliage as the plants finish for the season.
  • Irises: Remove dead or diseased leaves as appropriate, following the needs of the particular iris species.
  • Other disease-affected perennials: Remove infected plant material and dispose of it appropriately rather than leaving it in the garden or adding it to a home compost pile.

Always consider the specific plant’s needs. Some perennials are best cleaned up in spring, and evergreen or semi-evergreen plants may benefit from having their foliage left intact.

Why leave some perennials standing?

A perfectly trimmed garden isn’t always the healthiest garden.

Many native and ornamental perennials provide valuable habitat throughout the winter. Seed heads can serve as a food source for birds, while hollow or sturdy stems may provide shelter for beneficial insects.

Plants such as coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, native grasses, and many other seed-producing perennials can add winter interest while supporting local wildlife.

Leaving healthy stems and seed heads standing until spring can also help protect plant crowns and provide some natural insulation.

A balanced approach to fall perennial care

Rather than cutting everything back at once, consider a selective cleanup:

  • Remove diseased or damaged foliage when necessary.
  • Cut back perennials that benefit from fall sanitation.
  • Leave healthy seed heads and sturdy stems where they provide wildlife habitat.
  • Wait until spring to cut back plants that offer winter interest or shelter.
  • Add mulch around appropriate plants if needed to help protect roots from temperature fluctuations.

For Minnesota gardens, this balanced approach supports plant health while making room for beneficial insects and birds to use your landscape through the colder months.

4. Why Sustainable Fall Cleanup Matters

Fall yard maintenance can be about much more than appearance. The choices you make now can influence soil health, plant survival, and the ecological value of your property.

At LUNSETH, we believe organic lawn care is about creating a healthy landscape from the ground up.

Here are a few ways a more sustainable fall cleanup can make a difference:

Keep organic matter on your property. Mulched leaves and properly managed plant debris can return valuable organic material to the soil instead of sending everything away as waste.

Support beneficial wildlife. Leaving selected perennials standing through winter provides food and shelter for birds and insects.

Reduce unnecessary inputs. Healthy soil, appropriate mowing practices, and thoughtful nutrient management can help reduce reliance on unnecessary lawn treatments.

Protect Minnesota’s natural resources. Responsible nutrient use, proper disposal of diseased plant material, and maintaining healthy vegetation can help reduce runoff and protect local waterways.

Sustainable yard care doesn’t mean leaving everything untouched. It means making informed choices about what to remove, what to recycle, and what to leave for nature.

5. Your Minnesota Fall Yard Care Checklist

Not sure where to start? Use this checklist to prepare your property for winter.

  • Mulch fallen leaves regularly while the volume remains manageable.
  • Remove excess leaves that could smother the grass.
  • Continue mowing until grass growth slows or stops.
  • Keep your final mowing height appropriate for your lawn’s grass type.
  • Water as needed during dry fall weather, especially for newly seeded areas.
  • Address fertilizer needs based on soil conditions and responsible application practices.
  • Remove diseased perennial foliage and other problem plant material.
  • Leave healthy seed heads and selected perennial stems for winter wildlife habitat.
  • Clear branches and other debris from the lawn.
  • Put away hoses and prepare irrigation equipment for freezing temperatures.
  • Inspect garden beds and apply mulch where appropriate to protect vulnerable plants.

The timing of these tasks will vary with Minnesota’s weather. Some years, fall conditions remain mild well into October; other years, freezing temperatures arrive earlier. Pay attention to your property’s conditions rather than relying on a fixed calendar date.

Give Your Yard a Natural Head Start on Spring

A healthy landscape doesn’t happen by accident. The work you do in fall helps determine how well your lawn and gardens handle winter and how quickly they recover when spring returns.

Mulching leaves returns organic matter to the soil. Preparing your lawn for dormancy helps protect grass from winter stress. And selectively cutting back perennials supports plant health while preserving important habitat for beneficial wildlife.

At LUNSETH, we’re committed to helping Minnesota homeowners care for their landscapes with practices that prioritize healthy soil, responsible maintenance, and long-term sustainability.

Whether you need help with fall lawn cleanup, leaf mulching, or preparing your property for winter, our team can help you make the most of the season.

Ready to prepare your yard for winter the natural way? Contact LUNSETH or call us at 612-913-4899 today to learn more about our organic lawn care and seasonal maintenance services.

Let’s put fall to work for a healthier, greener landscape next spring!

Smart Lawn Watering: How to Keep Your Yard Healthy While Conserving Water

Posted on | by Organic Lawns by Lunseth

A lush, green lawn doesn’t require constant watering. In fact, one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is watering too often. The secret to a healthier lawn—and lower water bills—is watering smarter, not more.

Water Deeply, Not Daily

Frequent, shallow watering encourages grass roots to stay near the surface, making your lawn more vulnerable to drought and heat stress. Instead, water deeply and less often. Deep watering encourages roots to grow several inches into the soil, creating a stronger, more resilient lawn that can better withstand dry conditions.

Most established lawns need about one inch of water per week, including rainfall. Before turning on the sprinkler, consider how much rain your lawn has already received and water only when necessary.

Water Early in the Morning

The best time to water is between 4 a.m. and 10 a.m. Cooler morning temperatures reduce evaporation, allowing more water to soak into the soil. Morning watering also gives grass time to dry during the day, reducing the risk of fungal diseases that thrive in damp conditions.

Avoid watering in the evening whenever possible, as moisture that remains on the lawn overnight can encourage disease and insect activity.

Know Your Soil

Different soil types absorb and hold water differently.

  • Sandy soils drain quickly and may require more frequent watering with smaller amounts.
  • Clay soils hold moisture longer, so they benefit from less frequent but deeper watering.

Pay attention to your lawn’s actual needs and adjust based on weather, rainfall, and soil conditions.

Test Before You Water

Instead of watering on a set schedule, check your soil first. If the top several inches of soil are dry, it’s time to water. A simple screwdriver or small shovel can help determine how deeply moisture has penetrated.

You can also use a small container, such as a tuna can, to measure how much water your sprinkler system delivers. This helps ensure your lawn receives the right amount without wasting water.

Help Your Lawn Hold Moisture

Watering is only one part of maintaining a healthy lawn. You can significantly reduce water needs by:

  • Mowing at a height of 3 inches or higher to encourage deeper root growth.
  • Leaving grass clippings on the lawn to help retain moisture.
  • Improve soil health with compost or organic matter.
  • Installing rain sensors or smart irrigation controllers that automatically adjust watering based on weather conditions.

Don’t Forget Trees and Garden Beds

Your lawn isn’t the only thing that needs water. Newly planted trees and shrubs require consistent watering while establishing their root systems. Garden beds benefit from watering at the base of plants instead of overhead, helping reduce disease while delivering moisture where it’s needed most.

Applying 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch around trees, shrubs, and garden plants also helps conserve soil moisture and reduces evaporation.

Water Wisely

Healthy landscapes are built through thoughtful watering practices rather than frequent irrigation. By watering deeply, timing irrigation for the early morning, monitoring rainfall, and improving soil health, you can create a lawn that’s more drought-tolerant, healthier, and easier to maintain while conserving one of our most valuable natural resources.

Contact the experts at Organic Lawns by LUNSETH for an organic treatment program or landscaping design tailored to Minnesota conditions that can help restore balance naturally — without unnecessary chemicals or harsh inputs.

This blog post is based on guidance from the University of Minnesota Extension’s “Water Wisely: Start in Your Own Backyard”

Turf in Low-Light Conditions: How Minnesota Homeowners Can Grow Healthier Grass Naturally

Posted on | by Organic Lawns by Lunseth

Minnesota homeowners know that a beautiful lawn can be challenging even in ideal conditions. Add dense tree cover, north-facing yards, long winters, and limited sunlight, and growing healthy turf becomes even more difficult. Shady lawns often struggle with thin grass, moss growth, soil compaction, and increased disease pressure.

The good news is that a thriving lawn in low-light conditions is possible — especially when you focus on building healthy soil and using organic lawn care practices that work with Minnesota’s climate instead of against it.

Dominic Petrella is an Assistant Professor of Managed Turfgrass Systems in the Department of Horticultural Science at the University of Minnesota (@umnhorticulture). He says that plants with less sunlight to support photosynthesis starve themselves over time, so grass can look good one year, but look worse year after year in low-light conditions.

Why Shade Creates Problems for Turf

Grass needs sunlight to photosynthesize and produce energy. Most turf varieties perform best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. In shaded areas, lawns receive less energy, which leads to:

  • Thin or patchy turf
  • Weak root systems
  • Increased moisture retention
  • Higher risk of fungal diseases
  • Slower recovery from foot traffic
  • More weed and moss invasion

Petrella adds that Morning dew in shady conditions increases turf stress.

In Minnesota, these problems are amplified because cool-season grasses already have a relatively short growing season. Long winters and spring snowmelt can leave shaded lawns stressed before summer even begins.

The Best Grass Types for Shade in Minnesota

Not all turf grasses respond to shade the same way. Choosing the right seed blend is one of the most important steps for success.

Fescues

Fine fescues are among the most shade-tolerant cool-season grasses available. They require less fertilizer, use less water, and fit naturally into organic lawn care programs.

Benefits include:

  • Excellent shade tolerance
  • Lower nutrient requirements
  • Improved drought resistance
  • Softer texture
  • Reduced mowing frequency

Petrella points out that hard fescue looks better in shade than tall fescue.

Turf-Type Tall Fescue

Tall fescue can also perform well in partial shade, especially in lawns with moderate foot traffic. Its deeper roots help it tolerate stress more effectively.

Kentucky Bluegrass (Limited Use)

Kentucky bluegrass is popular in Minnesota but generally struggles in dense shade. In low-light conditions, it should only be used as part of a balanced seed blend rather than as a standalone turf type.

Poa Trivialis

Poa trivialis is a rough stalk bluegrass that is an invasive perennial grass weed. Petrella says that it thrives in moist soils and in lawns and parks with heavy to moderate shade from trees and buildings.

Penn State Extension explains that Poa trivialis has a perennial life cycle. It produces runners or stolons, which allow it to spread horizontally and creep over desirable grasses forming roughly circular patches. During periods of cool, moist conditions in spring, the vertical growth rate of P. trivialis can be 2-3 times faster than Kentucky bluegrass.

They go on to caution that In non-irrigated turf, during periods of high-temperature stress and/or drought in summer, P. trivialis begins to decline and foliage turns brown, leaving poor quality turf and openings for other weeds to develop. And its yellow-green color, coarse-textured leaf blades, and patchy appearance are often objectionable to homeowners and professional turf managers in stands of cool-season turfgrass.

Organic Lawn Care Strategies for Shady Lawns

Shaded turf requires a different management approach than full-sun lawns. Organic practices can improve soil biology and help grass become more resilient naturally.

1. Improve Soil Health First

Healthy soil is the foundation of healthy turf. In shady environments, compacted or poorly drained soil can quickly weaken grass.

Organic lawn care focuses on:

  • Increasing microbial activity
  • Building organic matter
  • Improving soil structure
  • Enhancing root development naturally

Core aeration combined with compost applications can dramatically improve oxygen flow and water infiltration in shaded lawns.

2. Reduce Fertilizer Stress

Overfertilizing shaded grass often creates weak growth that is more susceptible to disease. After the turf is established, be careful not to apply too much nitrogen. Petrella recommends reducing nitrogen in shaded areas to 2lbs/N/year.

Organic fertilizers release nutrients slowly, allowing turf to grow steadily without excessive top growth. This helps grass conserve energy in lower-light conditions.

A balanced organic program also supports:

  • Stronger roots
  • Better stress tolerance
  • Improved disease resistance
  • More consistent color

3. Mow Higher

One of the simplest ways to improve shaded turf is to raise the mowing height.

Taller grass blades:

  • Capture more sunlight
  • Promote deeper roots
  • Shade out weeds
  • Reduce moisture evaporation

For most Minnesota lawns in shade, maintaining grass at 3 to 4 inches is ideal.

4. Water Carefully

Shaded areas dry out more slowly than sunny parts of the lawn. Overwatering creates ideal conditions for fungal diseases and moss growth.

Instead of frequent shallow watering:

  • Water deeply and infrequently
  • Allow soil to partially dry between watering cycles
  • Water early in the morning to reduce overnight moisture

Organic soils with higher biological activity also retain moisture more effectively, reducing irrigation needs over time.

5. Prune Trees Strategically

Even a small increase in sunlight and airflow can make a major difference.

Selective pruning can:

  • Improve light penetration
  • Increase air circulation
  • Reduce disease pressure
  • Encourage stronger turf growth

In many cases, thinning lower tree branches is enough to significantly improve lawn performance without sacrificing shade or landscape beauty.

6. Use Shade Maps

Petrella encourages the use of free shadow maps to map out how light changes throughout the day and time of year. While this app is intended to gauge whether a site is appropriate for a solar installation, it has great information about the amount of sunlight at a specific location, helping better identify if there are low light challenges for growing grass

 The picture above shows the results for an address in the SW Metro.  The bar graph on the bottom shows that this property has challenges receiving enough sunlight for its turf.

Common Lawn Diseases in Shady Minnesota Turf

Low-light lawns are more vulnerable to fungal issues because moisture lingers longer on grass blades.

Common diseases include:

  • Snow mold
  • Red thread
  • Leaf spot
  • Powdery mildew

Organic lawn care helps reduce disease pressure by improving soil balance rather than relying heavily on synthetic fungicides. Proper mowing, watering, aeration, and nutrient management all contribute to a healthier ecosystem that naturally resists disease.

When Grass May Not Be the Best Option

Sometimes dense shade makes traditional turf unrealistic. If an area receives fewer than 3 hours of direct sunlight daily, alternative landscaping solutions may provide better long-term results.

Options include:

  • Native groundcovers
  • Woodland gardens
  • Mulched pathways
  • Pollinator-friendly shade plantings

An organic lawn care approach evaluates the entire landscape ecosystem — not just the grass.

A Smarter Approach to Shade Lawns

Shady lawns in Minnesota require patience and a customized strategy. Instead of forcing rapid growth with synthetic fertilizers, organic lawn care focuses on strengthening the soil, selecting appropriate grass varieties, and creating conditions where turf can thrive naturally.

With the right approach, even difficult low-light areas can become healthier, greener, and more resilient year after year.

Top of Form

Bottom of Form

If your lawn struggles under trees or in shaded areas, contact the experts at Organic Lawns by LUNSETH for an organic treatment program, or landscaping design – tailored to Minnesota conditions that can help restore balance naturally – without unnecessary chemicals or harsh inputs.

Pre-Emergent Weed Control

Posted on | by Organic Lawns by Lunseth

The Importance of Using Organic Weed Control in the Spring

The University of Minnesota Extension Service stresses the importance of getting Minnesota lawn weeds under control in the spring. There are 2 organic methods that are most effective accomplishing this: corn gluten and cultural practices.

Corn Gluten: Organic Pre-Emergent Herbicide 

Corn gluten is a byproduct of the wet-milling process of corn and is an effective pre-emergent weed control that can prevent many annual weeds, like crabgrass, over time. The protein in the corn gluten acts on germinating seeds to inhibit root growth. Organic Lawns by LUNSETH uses non-GMO, organic corn gluten meal (CGM).

Timing and application rates greatly affect the success of corn gluten meal.  The best time to apply it is in the early spring.  Heavy rates are necessary for weed prevention. U of M Extension says that for control of annual summer grasses such as crabgrass, either apply it in early May, or once the temperature in the top inch of soil, measured early in the day, is consistently in the 50 to 55 °F range .

An added benefit to corn gluten is it also contains 10% nitrogen by weight and has a slow-release fertilizing effect when applied to home lawns.

Cultural Practices

Cultural practices offer a completely organic solution to weed control.  It’s hard because you do all the work, but it’s very effective because it generates habits and processes that consistently favors the grass plants rather than the weeds.

The U of M Extension offers these cultural control solutions:

  • Raising or lowering mowing height.
  • Changing how often you mow.
  • Lengthening or shortening time between watering.
  • Increasing or decreasing how much and how often you apply fertilizer.
  • Aerating the soil by allowing air, water and nutrients to reach the grass roots.
  • Hand-weeding or pulling weeds is also an effective way to get rid of weeds from small lawn areas.

The best time to pull weeds is after a good rain or thorough watering. Hand-weeding is low-cost but labor-intensive. Several tools on the market will help when you’re hand-pulling weeds.

A combination of proper cultural practices and use of corn gluten as a pre-emergent herbicide is a good approach to controlling lawn weeds organically and effectively. If you have a question using corn gluten on your yard or would like help getting your yard ready for spring and summer, contact the experts at Organic Lawns by LUNSETH.

Why Choosing the Right Grass Seed Matters – Especially in Minnesota

Posted on | by Organic Lawns by Lunseth

At Organic Lawns by LUNSETH we believe organic lawn care is about working with nature—not against it. And that starts with understanding the unique conditions of our state and selecting the right grass seed for the job. This month we review why the right seed matters, the best types of grass seed for Minnesota lawns, and red flags about generic seed mixes.

Minnesota’s Climate: A Lawn-Care Challenge and Opportunity

Minnesota lawns face a wide range of conditions throughout the year—icy winters, wet springs, humid summers, and dry spells in between. That means your grass seed needs to be hardy, adaptable, and suited for cool-season growth.

Unlike other parts of the country, Minnesota lawns do best with cool-season grasses—varieties that thrive in spring and fall, when temperatures are milder.

Why the Right Seed Matters in Organic Lawn Care

Organic lawn care relies on building long-term soil health and resilience. The wrong seed makes achieving those goals difficult by requiring more water, more fertilizers, or more pesticides—exactly what we’re trying to avoid.

Here’s why buying the right seed pays off:

  • Reduced Weed Pressure – High-quality, allelopathic, grass seed creates a thick, healthy lawn that naturally crowds out weeds..
  • Less Watering –  low-maintenance grass species require less irrigation.
  • Stronger Roots – The right grass seed means deeper roots, which equals better drought resistance and less stress.
  • Fewer Inputs – You won’t need to add synthetic fertilizers or harsh chemicals when your lawn is already thriving.

Top Grass Types for Minnesota Lawns

Our friends at the University of Minnesota Extension Service provide excellent guidance for choosing the right grass seed for your lawn.  Here are their recommendations.

Fine fescues

This species includes 5 fescues:

  • strong creeping red (most tolerant of tree shade)
  • slender creeping red
  • hard (the most drought-tolerant)
  • Chewings (most tolerant of tree shade)
  • Sheep (lowest maintenance)

Fine fescue is drought, shade, and salt-tolerant, but doesn’t do well in extreme heat. It has lower maintenance requirements, including less irrigation, mowing, and fertilizing. But, do not mow in the summer heat. Fertilize in the fall if needed.

A mix of strong creeping red, Chewings, and hard fescue is excellent for home lawns.

Tall fescue

Tall fescue is one of the most drought-tolerant turfgrasses for Minnesota due to deep, extensive roots. And it can be used in the shade. It also tolerates wear and traffic. Be patient, though, because it has a slow spring green-up.

Make sure to purchase turf-type tall fescues for lawns. Seeding in the spring helps the grass survive winter better in the first year. Do not plant in areas that hold ice in the winter.

Beware of Cheap or Generic Seed Mixes

Not all grass seed is created equal. Many big-box store brands contain:

  • Low germination rates
  • Invasive weed seeds
  • Species that don’t perform well in Minnesota’s climate

That’s why LUNSETH always recommend buying regionally appropriate, high-quality, and preferably certified organic grass seed from trusted suppliers. Our general rules include

  • When in doubt, buy the most expensive because it’s most likely to germinate
  • Don’t buy anything that includes unknown varieties
  • Try not to buy anything that says annual because it won’t overwinter
  • Look at the back of the seed bag and follow the below guidelines:

Purity > 85%
Germination > 85%
Weed seed < 0.3%
Other crop < 0.5%
Inert matter < 8%
Date tested = within the last 9-months

 

Need Help Choosing the Right Grass Seed?

Let our team take the guesswork out of grass seed selection. Whether you’re starting a new lawn or overseeding an old one, we help homeowners choose and sow seed blends that are tailored to their soil, sun conditions, and usage needs—without compromising your organic goals. Contact the experts at Organic Lawns by LUNSETH to take the first step toward a greener, healthier, chemical-free lawn

 

Hearty and Drought Tolerant Grasses

Posted on | by Organic Lawns by Lunseth

The Twin Cities has had consistent rainfall during the summer of 2025, with many of the storms being torrential.  Research shows that this is part of a new weather pattern created by climate change, and now we’re approaching the time of year when we can go for long stretches without significant rain. But you have options to help maintain your lawn during these extreme conditions.

Weather Extremes – More Rain & More Drought

The University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership predicts that as climate change continues, “we expect more frequent and intense heavy rain events, with long dry periods in between.” They go on to say that “the length of consecutive dry days (CDD) is projected to increase more in the Midwest than in any region in the United States, up to 25% by 2100. This means that if we historically expected a dry period to last 8 days, we might expect it to last 10 days in the end of this century. We also expect a decrease in overall summer precipitation and a decrease in light rain events, but an increase in moderate and heavy rain events.

Turf Options

This is the time when our yards are getting a combination of the most intense sunlight and extreme heat of the season.  Many grasses will reach their wilting point and will go dormant under these conditions.  Luckily, grasses won’t start to die until they have 40 days of no moisture. But there are many varieties of grasses that can tolerate these environments better, leaving you with a green lawn even during drought.

The University of Minnesota Extension Service recommends tall fescue and fine fescue for Minnesota lawns.  They state that “these grasses can remain green for at least 28 days without water. Tall fescue is especially known for its heat and drought tolerance.

“Among the fine fescues, hard fescues have excellent drought tolerance. Chewings fescue and slender creeping red fescue have good to excellent drought tolerance. And strong creeping red fescues have good drought tolerance.”

Contact the experts at Organic Lawns by LUNSETH to learn how to convert your turf to a drought tolerant lawn. 

Maintaining New Lawns

Posted on | by Organic Lawns by Lunseth

Last month we reviewed the process for a sustainable lawn renovation.  This month we provide tips to give your new yard its best chance of thriving. The University of Maryland Extension provides excellent guidance.

Watering

  • Once seed germination has begun do not let the seed dry out
  • A newly seeded lawn requires daily watering during dry periods. 
  • If there’s a stretch of windy and dry days, your grass may require several light waterings a day.
  • Sandy soils dry out quickly, require more watering, and using a light mist is best.
  • Mature grass seedlings require less frequent watering, but they should be watered longer when you do.
  • It’s best to water earlier in the day so the grass does not remain wet overnight.

Mowing

  • Mowing lawns too short or infrequently causes grass to become susceptible to drought injury, weed infestations (especially crabgrass), and foot traffic injury.
  • Mow new turf when it reaches a height one-third higher than your normal mowing height. Usually this is four to six weeks after seeding.
  • Remove only one-third of the grass’s height in each following mowing. Removing too much of the leaf blade at each cutting stresses the new lawn.
  • Soil should be dry enough so that ruts are not formed by the wheels of the lawnmower.
  • Mowing typically needs to be done on a weekly basis during the growing season.

Fertilizing

  • Follow-up applications of fertilizer are made as part of a regular maintenance program.  
  • Organic Lawns by LUNSETH’s organic fertilizer solution provides a proven alternative to chemically-based lawn care — delivering a number of benefits that aren’t possible when treating your lawn synthetically. Being 100% organic means our fertilizers contain a purely balanced food source and do not feature synthetic chemicals that can be detrimental to your health and harsh on your lawn. By hiring us to apply our 100% OMRI-certified organic fertilizer to your lawn, your grass won’t just look great, it’ll be healthy in a way that’s very environmentally advantageous.

Weeds

  • Weeds have been resting all winter and can’t wait to shoot through and start growing.  Thin or bare soil areas combined with sunlight and warm soil temperatures create a perfect opportunity for germination of many of our annual weeds. 
  • These weed seeds aren’t just perennials that lay dormant over the winter. They can be blown in by the wind or be carried in by our bird friends. Early spring is the time to start looking for these intruders and taking steps to reduce their spread. 
  • Read LUNSETH’s Blog Post, “Handle Spring Weeds Now or Pay the Price Later”, to learn about some of the most common weeds we see in Minnesota, along with our tips for getting them under control.

Traffic

  • Young seedlings are easily injured. Newly seeded areas should be restricted from foot traffic for a least a month after the seed has germinated or until the new lawn has been mowed at least a couple of times. 

If you’re interested in having a lush, organic lawn, contact the experts at Organic Lawns by LUNSETH to create the best program for your yard.

Identifying and Controlling Grub Damage

Posted on | by Organic Lawns by Lunseth

Grubs have become a real nuisance the past few years. LUNSETH addresses this issue in a number of communities throughout the Twin Cities. How do you know if you’ve got grubs or not?  Our friends at the University of Minnesota Extension Service have excellent information and suggestions for handling grubs..

Identifying Grub Damage

There are several indications that white grubs are damaging your lawn. These include:

  • Irregular patches of dead or dying grass that resemble drought stress.

  • Early signs of a white grub infestation are apparent when an irrigation system has been running or we have had regular rainfall and the drought symptoms are still present.

  • Moderate grub damage involves observing dead or dying turf with little to no roots when pulling on the turf.

  • More severe white grub damage is sometimes not caused by the grubs themselves, but by animals like racoons and skunks turning over the turf to feed on the grubs.

Controlling Grubs

What can you do about grubs? The good news is there are very effective organic solutions to get them under control. The Turfgrass newsletter references a biological insecticide, GrubGone (Baccilus thuringiensis galleriae), as the only known biological insecticide to work effectively. It works as a preventative treatment and needs to be applied in advance of a white grub infestation. 

Contact LUNSETH for a quote on our grub control services. We’ve helped people all around the Twin Cities get their grub damage under control.

Preparing Your Lawn for Spring Topic #1: Snow Mold

Posted on | by Organic Lawns by Lunseth

It seems odd to think about taking care of your yard during February in Minnesota. But now is a great time to start planning your lawn care for the upcoming spring, especially if you’re focused on organic lawn care. 

For the next few months, LUNSETH will provide details (with information from the University of Minnesota Extension Service) about common challenges for Minnesota yards, and the recommended organic solutions to deal with them.

What is Snow Mold

When the snowmelt is on and we start to see our lawns appear in Minnesota, most yards have some, or a lot, of snow mold. It’s typically circular patches of matted, greyish grass up to 3 feet in diameter. 

U of M Extension describes snow mold as “…a fungal disease that can be caused by 3 different pathogens (Typhula spp. and Microdochium nivale). All Minnesota lawn grasses can be affected, although fine fescue grasses are less susceptible. Snow mold disease damages grass leaves but usually will not kill the entire plant.” 

Repairing Grass with Snow Mold

Snow mold might look bad, but it shouldn’t permanently damage the lawn. To promote recovery, lightly rake these areas to loosen the matted leaves. Make sure to lift the matted grass completely to let air circulate in that part of the lawn. No chemicals – just a little effort. It doesn’t get any more organic than that.

Timing is important, too. You need to stay off of the lawn until it has a chance to dry out.  Foot traffic on wet, damaged grass can cause even more damage. And, you especially DO NOT want to rake up the snow mold when it’s wet because you’ll end up pulling out your grass plants. Then you’ll have to seed the lawn if you want grass to return.  

Preventing Snow Mold Next year

There are a couple of simple steps to take at the end of the growing season to try and prevent snow mold next spring. First, continue to mow your turf well into the fall.  Second, when snow does come, avoid creating large, long-lasting snowbanks on your grass when shoveling snow from your sidewalks and driveways.

Conclusion

February might feel like the dead of winter in Minnesota, but it’s the perfect time to start planning for a healthy, organic lawn this spring. By planning and scheduling your organic lawn care treatments today, you’ll be ahead of the game when the warm weather finally arrives.

Remember, organic lawn care is all about nurturing the health of your lawn and the environment. By taking small steps now, you’re not only preparing your lawn for a successful year but also creating a sustainable, eco-friendly outdoor space for your family to enjoy. Let’s make this year’s lawn care routine as green and healthy as possible!

If you need help preparing an organic lawn care plan for your yard, reach out to Organic Lawns by LUNSETH today! 

Rake or Mulch in the Fall?

Posted on | by Organic Lawns by Lunseth

Many people are obsessed with raking their yards to look like freshly vacuumed carpets. This approach can be stressful and time-consuming. While it’s important to make sure your grass isn’t covered with leaves going into the winter, the good news is there are benefits to not leaving your yard spotless.

A little leaf coverage is good, but not too much

The University of Minnesota’s Turfgrass Science Program provides helpful guidelines for dealing with your fall leaves.  They say the most important point with fall cleanup is that the tree leaves are not covering a significant portion of your yard. Too many leaves on your lawn going into winter is harmful.  Leaves smother the grass and inhibit growth in the spring.  Leaves covering your grass also promote snow mold diseases.  And, a layer of leaves makes an attractive habitat for voles and mice and they can cause turf damage over the winter. They recommend leaving 10-20% coverage of your lawn.

Rake, bag or mulch? Mulch!

The three options to take care of leaves are raking, bagging, or mulching. The Turfgrass Science program explains why mulching is the most beneficial for your yard.  Mulching the leaves with a mower incorporates beneficial nutrients and organic matter into the lawn and soil.  Some leaf types, like maples, have even been shown to reduce weed seed germination when mulched into a lawn.  The leaves of honey locusts may add a significant amount of nitrogen to lawns. Their leaves fix nitrogen from the atmosphere just like soybeans, so higher leaf nitrogen contents in these leaves transferred to the soil is possible. 

Successful mulching requires chopping leaves into small pieces. This requires more frequent mowing in the fall, and you may need to do multiple passes with the mower to mulch the leaves sufficiently. 

If you do choose to rake or bag your leaves, make sure to compost them.

 

If you have a question about mulching or general fall lawn preparation or would like help getting your yard ready for winter, contact the experts at Organic Lawns by LUNSETH.