Fall Lawn Care Tips

Fall Lawn Care Tips for a Healthy Spring

As the weather cools and autumn arrives, now is the perfect time to give your lawn the

care it needs to thrive next spring. At Scenic Roots Garden Center, we know that a few

essential fall lawn care steps can make all the difference in achieving a lush, healthy

lawn. This guide will cover the importance of aerating, overseeding, and fertilizing your

lawn during the fall season. By using trusted products like our Scenic Roots blended

grass seeds and Bonide or Espoma Fertilizers, you can ensure your lawn is set up for

success. Let’s explore these key steps to prepare your lawn for a beautiful spring!

1. Aerating Your Lawn: Helping Roots Breathe

Aeration is a critical first step in fall lawn care. Over time, soil becomes compacted,

limiting water, nutrients, and oxygen from reaching the grass roots. Aerating creates

small holes in the soil, relieving compaction and allowing for better nutrient absorption.

Why Aerate in the Fall?

Fall is the perfect time to aerate because cooler temperatures and increased rainfall

help grass recover quickly. Aeration also prepares the lawn for overseeding, ensuring

the seeds make better contact with the soil for optimal germination.

How to Aerate Your Lawn:

•  Use a core aerator to remove small plugs of soil and thatch.

•  Aerate when the soil is slightly moist but not too wet for easy penetration.

•  Focus on areas with heavy foot traffic or visible thatch buildup, as these spots

  are often more compacted.

•  Leave the soil plugs on the lawn to break down naturally and add nutrients back

  into the soil.

2. Overseeding: Thickening Your Lawn for a Fuller Look

Overseeding is the process of adding new grass seed to an existing lawn to fill in bare

spots, improve density, and enhance overall lawn health. Fall is an ideal time for

overseeding due to the cooler weather and higher moisture levels, which create perfect

conditions for seed germination.

Why Overseed in the Fall?

Cool-season grasses thrive in fall’s cooler temperatures, between 60-75°F. By

overseeding in the fall, you give new grass the opportunity to establish itself before

winter, leading to a thicker and more resilient lawn in the spring.

Steps for Successful Overseeding:

•  Select Scenic Roots blended grass seeds for a high-quality result tailored to your

  region.

•  Mow the lawn slightly shorter than usual to allow the seeds to reach the soil.

•  Lightly rake the lawn to remove any debris and loosen the soil for better seed

  contact.

•  Evenly spread the seed using a broadcast spreader to ensure thorough

  coverage.

•  Gently rake the area again to help the seeds settle into the soil.

•  Water consistently, keeping the soil moist throughout the germination period.

3. Fertilizing: Nourishing Your Lawn for Winter Survival

Fertilizing your lawn in the fall provides it with the nutrients needed to develop strong

roots and store energy for the colder months. Using a high-quality fall fertilizer like

Bonide or Espoma can strengthen your lawn and ensure it’s ready for the growing

season ahead.

Why Fertilize in the Fall?

Fall fertilization promotes robust root growth and prepares the lawn for winter dormancy.

This nutrient boost ensures your lawn can survive the winter and bounce back with lush

green growth in the spring.

Choosing the Right Fertilizer and Application Tips:

•  Choose a fertilizer with a higher potassium content to improve cold tolerance and

  root strength.

•  Follow the product’s instructions for proper application rates to avoid over-

  fertilizing.

•  Apply fertilizer in late September to early October while the grass is still actively

  growing.

•  Water the lawn after applying fertilizer to help it absorb the nutrients.

Additional Fall Lawn Care Tips

 Leaf Removal: Regularly rake or mulch leaves to prevent them from suffocating

the grass, which can lead to disease.

 Watering: Even though the weather is cooler, your lawn still needs moisture to

support root growth. Make sure the soil stays moist, especially after aeration and

overseeding.

By following these fall lawn care tips, you can set the stage for a thick, healthy lawn

when spring arrives. Visit Scenic Roots Garden Center for expert advice and all the

products you need to achieve a beautiful lawn year-round!