Fall Lawn Care Tips: How to Prepare Your Lawn for Winter

As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to fall, it’s easy to forget about lawn care. After all, the growing season is winding down, and you may assume your yard is ready to rest. But fall is actually one of the most important times of year to give your lawn some attention. The steps you take now will not only keep your yard looking tidy through the cooler months but will also set the stage for a healthy, vibrant lawn come spring.

Here are some essential fall lawn care tips to help you prepare your yard for winter and ensure it wakes up strong in the spring.

1. Keep Mowing – But Adjust the Height

Just because summer is over doesn’t mean it’s time to put away the mower. Grass continues to grow in the fall, especially cool-season varieties like Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, and ryegrass. Continue mowing until growth slows significantly, which may be well into late fall in many regions.

Pro tip: As the season progresses, gradually lower the mowing height to about 2.5 to 3 inches. This helps prevent matting under snow and reduces the risk of fungal diseases like snow mold. But don’t cut it too short—you still want enough leaf blade to support photosynthesis.

2. Rake and Remove Leaves Promptly

Fallen leaves may look beautiful, but they can smother your lawn if left to sit. A thick, wet layer of leaves blocks sunlight and traps moisture, creating an ideal environment for disease and pests. Make a habit of raking or mulching leaves weekly during peak leaf-fall season.

If you have a mulching mower, you can shred the leaves and let them decompose into the lawn, adding organic matter and nutrients. Just make sure the shredded pieces are small and not smothering the grass.

3. Aerate the Soil

Over time, soil can become compacted, especially in high-traffic areas. Fall is the perfect time to aerate your lawn—ideally in early to mid-fall when the grass is still actively growing.

Core aeration involves removing small plugs of soil to reduce compaction and improve air, water, and nutrient movement to the roots. You can rent an aerator, hire a lawn service, or use a manual aerator for smaller yards.

The result? Stronger root growth and better absorption of fertilizer and water throughout the winter months.

4. Fertilize for Fall Strength

Fall fertilization is one of the best things you can do to ensure a green, lush lawn in the spring. Applying a slow-release, nitrogen-rich fertilizer in early to mid-fall gives grass the nutrients it needs to build strong roots and store energy over the winter.

Look for a fertilizer labeled as “winterizer” or one with a higher nitrogen content (the first number in the N-P-K ratio). For cool-season grasses, the ideal time to fertilize is about 4-6 weeks before the ground freezes.

Avoid over-fertilizing late in the season, as it can stimulate top growth instead of root development and make your lawn more susceptible to winter damage.

5. Seed Thin or Bare Spots

If you notice thin areas or bare patches in your lawn, fall is a great time to overseed. Cooler temperatures, occasional rainfall, and fewer weeds make for ideal conditions for seed germination—especially for cool-season grasses.

Start by raking away any debris and loosening the soil. Then spread the seed evenly and gently rake it in. Keep the area moist for the first few weeks, and avoid heavy foot traffic while the new grass establishes itself.

If you’ve recently aerated your lawn, it’s a great time to overseed, as the holes created by aeration provide excellent seed-to-soil contact.

6. Control Weeds

Many perennial weeds, such as dandelions and clover, store energy in their roots during the fall. Applying a selective herbicide at this time can be particularly effective, as the weeds absorb the chemicals and carry them down to the roots.

Make sure to choose a product labeled for fall use, and apply it on a day when temperatures are above 50°F and no rain is expected for at least 24 hours.

If you're using a weed-and-feed product, time it carefully so that it doesn’t interfere with any new grass seed you’ve applied.

7. Water Wisely

Although fall brings cooler weather, your lawn still needs moisture to stay healthy—especially after fertilizing or seeding. Continue to water your lawn as needed, aiming for about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall.

As temperatures drop, reduce watering gradually, and stop once the ground begins to freeze. Be sure to winterize your irrigation system to prevent damage from frozen pipes.

8. Clean Up Lawn Tools and Equipment

As you wind down your lawn care routine for the year, take some time to clean and store your tools properly. Empty the gas from your mower, clean the blades, and sharpen them if needed. Store rakes, hoses, and other equipment in a dry place to prevent rust and wear.

Proper maintenance now will save you time and hassle in the spring—and extend the life of your tools.

9. Mulch Around Trees and Garden Beds

While it’s not directly related to the grass itself, fall is also a good time to freshen up mulch around trees, shrubs, and garden beds. A 2-3 inch layer of mulch helps regulate soil temperature, retain moisture, and protect plant roots from extreme winter conditions.

Just be sure to keep mulch a few inches away from the base of tree trunks to prevent rot and pest problems.

10. Plan for Next Year

As you finish your fall lawn care checklist, take a few moments to reflect on what worked well and what didn’t this year. Did you struggle with brown patches, weeds, or pests? Was your watering schedule consistent?

Keeping notes now will help you plan a smarter, more effective lawn care strategy for spring. And if you’re considering changes like installing new turf, switching grass types, or adding landscaping features, fall is a good time to start researching and preparing.

Final Thoughts

Taking the time to care for your lawn in the fall is one of the best investments you can make for a beautiful yard year-round. From aeration and fertilizing to leaf cleanup and watering, these simple steps can make a big difference in how your lawn survives the winter and thrives in the spring.

So grab your rake, fire up the mower, and show your lawn a little love this fall. You’ll be glad you did when the snow melts and your yard is the first on the block to green up next spring.

Need Help?

If lawn care isn’t your thing—or you just don’t have the time—consider hiring a Turf Concepts. We offer seasonal packages that include aeration, overseeding, and fertilization tailored to your soil and grass type.

Happy Fall, and here’s to a greener, healthier lawn!