Fall Lawn Care: Prepare Your Lawn for Winter

Prepare your lawn for winter with proper fall lawn care. Learn the essential steps to ensure your grass survives winter and comes back strong in spring.

3-5 hours
intermediate
fall

Tools You'll Need

  • Rake
  • Lawn mower
  • Fertilizer spreader
  • Core aerator
  • Leaf blower

Materials

  • Fall fertilizer
  • Grass seed
  • Lime (if needed)
  • Compost
  • Mulch

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Continue Mowing

Keep mowing until grass stops growing. Gradually lower the mowing height to about 2-2.5 inches for the final cuts.

Pro Tips

  • Don't cut grass too short
  • Keep mowing until growth stops
  • Remove no more than 1/3 of grass height
2

Aerate Your Lawn

Core aerate your lawn to relieve soil compaction and allow air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots.

Pro Tips

  • Aerate when soil is moist
  • Make multiple passes for heavy traffic areas
  • Leave cores on lawn to decompose
3

Apply Fall Fertilizer

Apply a high-potassium fall fertilizer to help grass develop strong roots and store energy for winter.

Pro Tips

  • Use fertilizer with higher potassium
  • Apply when grass is still growing
  • Don't over-fertilize
4

Overseed Thin Areas

Overseed thin or bare areas with appropriate grass seed. This gives new grass time to establish before winter.

Pro Tips

  • Choose cold-tolerant grass varieties
  • Keep seeded areas moist
  • Don't overseed too late
5

Remove Leaves

Keep leaves raked or mulched to prevent them from smothering the grass and creating disease conditions.

Pro Tips

  • Don't let leaves pile up
  • Mulch leaves with mower if possible
  • Remove leaves before snowfall

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I start fall lawn care?

Start fall lawn care in early September for most regions. Begin with aeration and overseeding, then apply fall fertilizer when grass is still actively growing.

Should I fertilize my lawn in fall?

Yes, fall fertilization is crucial for root development and winter hardiness. Use a high-potassium fertilizer to help grass store energy for winter.

How short should I cut my grass in fall?

Gradually lower mowing height to 2-2.5 inches for the final cuts. Don't cut too short as longer grass helps protect roots during winter.

Should I remove leaves from my lawn?

Yes, keep leaves raked or mulched to prevent smothering grass. A light layer of mulched leaves can be beneficial, but thick layers can cause disease.

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