“Fall Lawn Care: Preparing Your Grass for Winter’s Chill”
As the days get shorter and the air turns crisp, your lawn is quietly preparing for its long winter nap. Fall isn’t just about raking leaves — it’s one of the most important times to set your grass up for success in the spring.
- Keep Mowing — but Lower the Blade
Continue mowing until your grass stops growing, typically after the first frost. Gradually lower your mower blade in the last couple of cuts, aiming for about 2 to 2.5 inches. This helps prevent snow mold while still protecting root systems.
- Aerate the Soil
Fall is perfect for aeration because the soil is moist and the roots are actively growing. Aeration breaks up compacted soil, allowing water, nutrients, and oxygen to penetrate deeper.
- Apply a Fall Fertilizer
A slow-release, high-potassium fertilizer will strengthen roots for winter and encourage faster green-up in spring.
- Remove Leaves Promptly
Don’t let leaves smother your grass. Rake or mulch them weekly to keep your lawn breathing freely.
🍂 Pro Tip: Schedule your aeration and fertilization on the same day for maximum benefit — the open soil plugs will help nutrients soak in quickly.
“The Fall Overseeding Guide: How to Fill in Bare Spots Before Winter”
If your lawn looks a little patchy after summer, fall is your best opportunity to bring it back to life. Cooler temperatures and consistent moisture create ideal conditions for seed germination.
- Step 1: Choose the Right Grass Seed
Pick a variety that matches your existing lawn type (cool-season or warm-season). If you’re unsure, a local garden center can help identify your grass type
- Step 2: Prepare the Soil
Loosen the top layer of soil with a rake or dethatcher. This creates a seedbed where roots can establish easily.
- Step 3: Spread the Seed Evenly
Use a broadcast spreader for large areas or hand-spread in small patches. Lightly rake the seed into the soil so it makes good contact.
- Step 4: Water Consistently
Keep the area moist — light watering once or twice a day until the seedlings reach about 3 inches tall.
🌱 Pro Tip: Overseed right after aeration for even better results — the holes help protect seeds and improve germination rates.
“Fall Weed Control: Stop Weeds Before They Take Over Next Spring”
Fall isn’t just for planting — it’s the perfect season to fight back against weeds. Many broadleaf weeds are storing energy in their roots now, which makes herbicides more effective.
- Identify Your Weeds
Common fall culprits include dandelions, chickweed, and clover. Spot-treat isolated patches or apply a selective herbicide to your entire lawn if needed.
- Time Your Treatment
Apply herbicides on a calm, dry day with temperatures between 50–85°F. This ensures the product sticks to leaves and gets absorbed.
- Maintain Healthy Grass
Weeds thrive in bare or thin spots. Combine weed control with overseeding and fertilizing for a dense, competitive lawn.
- Don’t Forget the Edges
Weeds often creep in from sidewalks, driveways, and flower beds — keep these areas trimmed and treated.
🛡 Pro Tip: Pulling weeds after a rain is easier because the soil is soft, allowing you to remove the entire root.