Yes, fall is an ideal time to rejuvenate a tired lawn. Cooler temperatures and ample time available for recuperation before summer's heat and drought all work in favor of a fall lawn renovation.

Old lawns can benefit from core aeration, since the soil may have become compacted over time, especially if it has been treated with chemicals. To control thatch, an aerating tool with metal tines is used to push into the soil by foot. This procedure aerates the soil and enables earthworms and microorganisms to flourish and to do their valuable work improving the soil.

You can also overseed your lawn with a suitable grass seed blend right over your existing turf. Before spreading the seed, topdress the lawn with fresh soil or scratch the turf with a metal rake to roughen up the soil and create a receptive bed for the new seed. Remember that the seed needs several consecutive days of temperatures over 60ºF. and daily watering to germinate.

Courtesy of the NYBG Plant Information Service