reliableservicecrew

Yard guides / Season by season

Fall: the most important season for cool-season lawns

Seed, feed, aerate and deal with leaves.

Best time: Late summer to late fall 5 min read

For cool-season lawns, fall is the best time of year to repair and strengthen: warm soil, cool air and fewer weeds. Warm-season lawns start slowing down toward dormancy.

Cool-season lawns

  1. Aerate compacted areas in early fall
  2. Overseed thin areas right after aerating
  3. Feed in early fall, and again in late fall if your local guidance suggests
  4. Treat perennial broadleaf weeds if needed
  5. Keep mowing until growth stops; the last mow can be a little lower

Warm-season lawns

  • Stop feeding by early fall
  • Keep mowing until dormancy
  • Some homeowners overseed Bermuda with ryegrass for winter color; it isn't necessary

Leaves

Don't let leaves smother the grass. Mow light layers into small pieces with a mulching mower, or rake and compost heavier layers.

General lawn care information. Grass, soil and climate vary; your cooperative extension office can give local advice. Reliable Service Crew isn't paid by any brand or lawn company.