Purdue News 
Purdue News
"Autumn is a prime growing time for cool season turfgrasses," Reicher says. "That's when they produce tillers, increasing density and filling in any thin or damaged areas from the summer. This is also the time when the grasses store their energy reserves for the winter, which determines winter hardiness and performance next summer."
With unseasonably high temperatures and very little rain this autumn in Indiana, the turf plants are dormant or growing very slowly. Without ample rain or irrigation, Reicher says widespread winter-kill could occur.
"The bottom line is that if you want to insure that your lawn survives winter and performs adequately next spring and summer, start watering now," he says.
Reicher suggests watering thoroughly enough to wet the soil four to six inches deep, and water often enough to keep the grass green and growing.
More lawn and turf information, including weekly updates by Purdue turf experts, can be found on the Internet at http://www.aes.purdue.edu/agronomy/turf/turftips.htm
CONTACT: Reicher, (765) 494-9737; e-mail, zreicher@dept.agry.purdue.edu
Compiled by Chris Sigurdson, (765) 494-8415; E-mail, sig@ecn.purdue.edu
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu
