Fall Lawn Care Checklist: What to Do Before Winter
Fall is the best time to repair and feed your lawn. Follow this checklist for mowing, aeration, overseeding, fertilizing and cleanup.
For many lawns, fall is the most productive season of the year. Soil is still warm, nights are cooler and rainfall is often more reliable, which is a good combination for roots. The right work now sets your lawn up for a strong start next spring.
Timing and grass type matter. Cool-season grasses such as fescue, bluegrass and ryegrass benefit most from fall work, while warm-season grasses such as Bermuda and zoysia are typically heading toward dormancy. Check what type you have and your local extension service's calendar.
1. Keep mowing, and lower the height gradually
Keep mowing as long as the grass grows. For the last mowings of the season, lower the blade a notch so the grass is slightly shorter going into winter, which can reduce matting and snow mold risk. Do not cut more than about a third of the blade height at a time.
2. Rake or mulch the leaves
A thick layer of wet leaves can smother grass. Rake them, or mow over a light layer to chop them into small pieces that break down. Compost the rest or use them as mulch in garden beds.
3. Aerate if the soil is compacted
Core aeration pulls small plugs of soil out of the lawn, letting air, water and nutrients reach the roots. It is most helpful on clay soil and in high-traffic areas. Early fall, when grass is actively growing, is the usual window for cool-season lawns. You can rent an aerator or hire a lawn service.
4. Overseed thin or bare spots
Overseeding spreads new grass seed over the existing lawn to thicken it up. For best results:
- Choose seed suited to your climate and the amount of sun.
- Do it right after aerating, when seed makes good contact with the soil.
- Keep the seed bed moist until new grass is established.
5. Fertilize at the right time
A fall feeding helps roots store energy for winter and green up faster in spring. Use a product designed for lawns, follow the label rates and avoid applying before heavy rain, which can wash fertilizer into storm drains. A soil test can tell you what your lawn actually needs.
6. Control weeds
Fall is a good time to deal with perennial broadleaf weeds such as dandelions and clover, because they are moving nutrients down to their roots. Read the product label for timing and temperature limits, and keep treatments away from gardens and waterways.
7. Water as needed
New seed needs frequent light watering. Established lawns benefit from deep, infrequent watering when rainfall is lacking. Taper off as temperatures drop and the grass slows.
8. Tidy up tools and equipment
- Clean mower decks and sharpen the blade.
- Empty fuel or add stabilizer before storing gas-powered equipment.
- Disconnect and drain hoses, and shut off outdoor spigots where freezing is likely.
Should you hire a lawn service?
Lawn care companies can handle aeration, seeding and fertilizing, which can make sense for large yards or limited time. Ask what products they use, how often they visit, what the price covers and whether they carry insurance. Our guide to hiring a landscaper offers questions that apply here too.
A little work now pays off in a thicker, greener lawn when spring arrives.