The secret to having a beautiful lawn during the summer is to plant it during the fall. The soil is warmer, to promote germination. Lower air temperatures mean there's less stress on the grass and increased rainfall during autumn is more conducive to getting grass seedlings off to a good start. And weeds are much less a problem than they are in the spring.

So now that you've decided to put in a new lawn during the fall, the next step is to choose an appropriate grass seed. The best choice is a mixture of several types. Lavalette Nursery and Garden Center is now offering its own proprietary blend -- a mixture of turf-type fescue, fine-bladed fescue and annual rye. All you have to remember is to ask for Lavalette's Lawnmaker Blend.

Lawnmaker Blend is especially designed for the Tri-State area, It's hardy and adaptive, does well in sun and shade, and is more drought-tolerant than many other types. It should be applied at a rate of 8 to 10 pounds per 1,000 square feet.

Just as with all other perennial plants, the secret to success is the soil. With the proper acidity and an abundance of organic matter, you're practically guaranteed to be the envy of your neighbors. The first step to putting in a new lawn is to get rid of the old one. The easiest way is to spray the old grass with Roundup. In a week or so, after the old grass is brown, either remove the dead grass or till it under. Work in fertilizer and lime, if needed. Lavalette can advise you on the types and amounts. The soil should be tilled to a depth of 4 to 6 inches.

Use a steel garden rake to create a finish grade to move water runoff away from the house. Level the soil to avoid any low spots where water may stand. If you want an automatic sprinkler system, this is the time to install it. Roll the entire lawn bed with a roller (available from rental centers) to firm it up, then water it lightly to settle. Use a hand-crank-operated seed spreader. Sow 1/4 of the seed to the entire lawn area. Repeat three more applications, each in a different direction. Rake the seed into the surface of the soil lightly, using a bamboo or fan rake, barely brushing the seed under the soil. Roll the entire lawn surface with an empty lawn roller to set the seed in contact with the soil. Water seeds in thoroughly with a fine mist. Once the seed is planted, make sure that the soil is kept evenly moist until germination. After the seeds germinate, you can water more heavily but less frequently. Do not over-water, and do not use a strong spray.

To keep birds from eating the grass seed, string old VCR tape around the area, draping it from trees or stringing it between 3-foot stakes placed around the edges.

Keep your new lawn watered until it is well established. Grass needs about one inch per week (rainfall plus irrigation). A newly seeded lawn may be mowed when the grass is 2 1/2 to 3 inches tall, but don't cut it too short. A sharp mower will cut cleanly and won't pull the plants out of the ground. After the first mowing you may apply a high nitrogen, turf fertilizer (23-4-6) at one-half the application rate recommended on the bag and water immediately.