Recovery & preparation

This is generally the transition period from summer maintenance into fall lawn care.

• Resume regular mowing as temperatures moderate.

• Inspect thin or damaged areas.

• Consider core aeration where soil compaction is a problem.

• Overseed suitable areas while conditions remain favorable.

• Begin paying attention to changing irrigation requirements.

• Consider a soil test if fertility or pH has not been evaluated recently.

• Address drainage, compaction, thatch, or other underlying problems.

Late August and early September are also an excellent time for core aeration when the lawn needs it. UMaine recommends aerating established lawns approximately every one to three years when conditions warrant.