Benefits of fall lawn care
The shift from summer to fall is more than just a visual spectacle—it's the ideal time to focus on your lawn. Why? Fall offers the perfect growth conditions for most lawns. The combination of cooler air temperatures, warm post-summer soil, and just the right amount of rainfall aids in seeding and lawn repair, weed removal, and high absorption of fall fertilizer applications. This means a little lawn love this fall can go a long way.
Additional advantages of fall lawn maintenance
- Repairs summer lawn damage. Your lawn may show signs of stress and wear following the intense summer heat. Fall serves as a recovery period, allowing your grass to green up again.
- Reduces winter damage. Winter can be harsh, with the potential for frost, freezing temperatures, and even snow. Preparing your lawn in the fall ensures it's better equipped to face winter dormancy and reduce potential damage.
- Sets up your lawn for a greener spring. View fall lawn care as an essential investment. The dedication and care you pour into your lawn during autumn plants the seeds for a rewarding, greener return in spring.
Essential fall lawn care tips
As you embrace the fall season and its lawn care potential, here are our essential fall lawn care tips to ensure optimal results next spring.
Control fall weeds
Fall is the perfect time to control perennial weeds and winter annual weeds. Perennials are their weakest and winter annuals are just emerging—meaning spraying Sunday weed killers will be most effective right now.
By treating fall weeds now, you'll not only eliminate fall weeds now, but you'll reduce competition for your fall grass seeds to grow and set the stage for a weed-free lawn come spring.
Fall lawn seeding and repair
Fall provides the ideal growth conditions for seeding your lawn in cooler climates. Tackle large seeding projects and repair thinning or bare patches with a well-timed fall seeding.
Wait until temperatures range between 55-75 degrees F. Mow your lawn shorter than usual, remove clippings and lightly rake soil to ensure seed-to-soil contact. Spread seeds evenly across your lawn or directly to patches at the recommended rates. Water daily to keep the seeds and soil moist until the seeds germinate.
Sunday Tip:
Psst! Even if you have a warm-season lawn—this season can be perfect for repairing lawn areas, particularly where you've removed weeds.
Apply fall fertilizer
Fortify your lawn with your fall fertilizer application for a healthier lawn come spring.
Sunday’s specially formulated fall and winterizing nutrients are tailored for this season. Enriched with nitrogen seaweed extract, iron, and calcium—they extend greening into fall, strengthen grass roots, and reduce opportunities for winter damage.
Reduce mowing
Optimize your mowing routine in the fall. Reduce your mowing frequency and lower your mowing height as the season progresses.
Once temps start falling, check how many clippings remain after mowing. Once there are very few, stop mowing for the year.
Water less and winterize irrigation
Tailor your lawn’s hydration needs in the fall to prepare your grass for cooler temperatures, and help reduce water waste.
Continue to water as needed in warmer climates, but reduce when able to, especially when it rains. In cooler climates, reduce watering as it gets colder, and stop watering regularly when mowing ceases for the season. If you use a sprinkler system, blow out hoses and winterize irrigation to avoid freeze damage.
Mulch fall leaves
Convert fallen leaves into a nutrient-rich mulch for your lawn by mowing them.
Fall leaves aren't lawn waste, they're underutilized yard nutrients. Mulch fall leaves back into your lawn for an added nutrient boost, use them as mulch in garden beds, or compost them for a phosphorus-rich mix.
Extra tips for fall lawn care
Aerate your lawn
Aeration can be beneficial if your lawn sees heavy foot traffic or has clayey soil. It breaks up the compacted soil, ensuring better air and water penetration.
Clear the lawn
Remove lawn furniture, toys, and any large items covering portions of your lawn. This prevents any undue stress or patches come spring.
Fix lawn drainage
Fall is ideal for spotting and fixing lawn areas with poor drainage. To manage standing water, consider solutions like rain gardens or rerouting spouts.
Frost seed in December
November through December is the perfect time to frost seed. This seeding method gives the grass a spring head start, as long as the ground isn't covered in snow or ice.
What should you put on your lawn in the fall?
A winterizing fall fertilizer will sustain your lawn in the fall, maintain it through winter, and give it a head start come spring. Bonus points? Premium seed varieties are made for your climate and are herbicides that target fall weeds. Luckily, Sunday's curated fall products are tailored specifically for the challenges and opportunities of fall.
From fall lawn care to winter lawns
Remember, winter might be around the corner, but with the right fall care, your lawn will be ready to face it head-on and bounce back beautifully in spring. And when you're ready, check out our best tips for winter lawn prep:
- How to Prep Your Lawn and Garden for Winter
- How to Deal With Frost
- How to Frost Seed
- Winter Dormancy and Your Lawn
Cited sources
The Homeowner's Lawn Care and Water Quality Almanac. Cornell Extension.
