Around the Yard

Things to do this week:

* Plant cool-season lawns. The autumn months are one of the best times to plant lawns that thrive during California’s cool season. Tall fescue lawns such as Marathon and Medallion can be easily planted now from seed (sod can be planted at almost any time).

Barely cover seed to keep it in place, but do not bury too deep or it won’t sprout. Don’t sow it too thickly either, or it may get “snow mold” after germinating. Follow recommendations on the box.

Existing fescue lawns can be fertilized this month. They will perk up as the weather cools.

Warm-season lawns, such as Bermuda grass, should be fertilized this month to keep them green as far into winter as possible.

To make lawns of Bermuda grass or zoysia really green in winter, many over-seed them with tall fescue, which is tougher and may last longer than annual ryegrass, the cheap but traditional winter grass.

* Prepare for Santa Anas. In certain locales, fall Santa Ana winds can howl though gardens and severely damage trees. To protect young trees, make sure they are not tied too tightly to a stake. They should be tied loosely between two stakes about six inches from the trunk. That way, the trunk can gently sway in the winds. Held too rigidly, it could snap. Make sure ties do not bind. They should be soft and flexible.

On young and old trees, it may be a good time to thin some interior growth so winds can whistle through. Take out entire branches; don’t simply stub them back.