Fall is the most important time to care for your lawn. What you do now determines how well your yard survives the winter and how quickly it bounces back in spring. Skip these steps, and you could be facing dead patches, disease, and costly repairs.
Here’s your go-to fall lawn care checklist for a strong, healthy lawn—before the first freeze hits.
1. Keep Mowing
Continue mowing until the grass stops growing. Lower your mowing height gradually, finishing the season at 2–2.5 inches to prevent snow mold and rodent activity.
2. Rake Leaves Regularly
Leaves left on the lawn trap moisture, block sunlight, and invite fungus. Rake or mulch them to keep your grass healthy.
3. Aerate the Soil
Aeration relieves compaction and allows water, oxygen, and nutrients to reach the roots. Best done in early to mid-fall while the soil is soft and the grass can recover.
4. Dethatch If Needed
If the thatch layer is over ½ inch, remove it. Too much thatch blocks nutrients and water and can lead to disease.
5. Fertilize in Two Rounds
Start with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer in early fall to promote recovery and growth. Follow with a winterizer (higher in potassium) about 6–8 weeks later to boost root strength and cold resistance.
6. Overseed Thin Areas
Fill in bare patches with fresh seed. Prep the soil, apply evenly, and keep moist. Seed early enough to allow 4–6 weeks of growth before freezing temps.
7. Keep Watering
Water your lawn once or twice a week until the ground freezes. Aim for about 1 inch per week to keep roots hydrated and strong.
8. Apply Weed Control
Use pre-emergents to block winter weeds. Spot-treat existing ones before they spread and take over in spring.
9. Repair Bare Spots
Remove dead grass, loosen soil, and reseed with a grass type that matches your lawn. Lightly cover with topsoil or compost to retain moisture.
10. Mulch Fallen Leaves
Mulch light leaf coverage with your mower. Shredded leaves feed your lawn as they decompose—but don’t let them pile up too thick.
11. Lower Mower Height (Gradually)
Cut shorter (2–2.5") by season’s end to prevent matting under snow and reduce disease risk.
12. Clear Gutters
Clogged gutters cause water overflow that can damage lawn edges and landscaping. Keep them clean throughout fall.
13. Tune Up Lawn Equipment
Clean and store tools properly. Sharpen blades, drain fuel, and lubricate moving parts. You’ll be ready to go next spring.
14. Topdress with Compost
A thin layer of compost improves soil health, boosts microbes, and helps with moisture retention—especially after aerating.
15. Check for Pests
Inspect turf for grubs and other insects. If you find more than 5–10 grubs per square foot, treat before winter sets in.
16. Avoid Foot Traffic on Frosty Grass
Walking on frozen turf causes damage that won’t show until spring. Create walkways or avoid those areas.
17. Mark Lawn Edges for Snow
Use markers to identify driveways, walkways, and sprinkler heads. This helps avoid turf damage during snow removal.
18. Remove Lawn Furniture
Store chairs, fire pits, and garden décor. Left in place, they can suffocate the grass and leave dead spots come spring.
Why Fall Lawn Care Matters
Fall is your lawn’s recovery and prep season. Each task you complete now helps your lawn store energy, grow stronger roots, and resist winter stress. Miss it—and you’ll be dealing with problems that could have been prevented.
Need a Hand? We’re Here to Help.
Mile High Lifescape offers professional fall lawn care services across the Denver metro area. Our expert team handles:
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Aeration & overseeding
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Fertilization & composting
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Leaf cleanup & weed control
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Lawn assessments & custom care plans
📞 Book a free lawn consultation today and get a customized plan built for Colorado’s unique climate.
🌏 Contact Us
Mile High Lifescape
Address: 1007 S Federal Blvd, Denver, CO 80219, US
Phone: 1-303-877-9091
Website: https://milehighlifescape.com/
Email: hello@milehighlifescape.com
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=8131554802714482277
FAQs
When should I stop mowing?
After the first hard frost, when grass growth stops. Final cut: 2–2.5 inches.
Should I fertilize in fall?
Yes—early fall and late fall fertilizing builds root strength and supports spring growth.
Is fall the right time to seed?
Absolutely. Cool temps and fewer weeds make fall ideal for overseeding.
What’s the best way to handle leaves?
Mulch light leaf layers with your mower. Rake and remove heavier ones to avoid smothering your grass.
How do I prevent winter lawn damage?
Rake leaves, avoid compacting wet or frosty grass, mow correctly, and address pests or fungus now.
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