Please, for the sake of your grass, don't make these 8 fall lawn care mistakes

There’s nothing quite like walking barefoot across a lush lawn on a warm summer day, but as autumn approaches, turf grass must be prepped for winter dormancy. A change of season means changes in how we care for our cherished greensward to ensure it survives the winter and is ready for spring. As a garden professional with more than 30 years advising clients on how to properly maintain their lawns, I’ve tried and tested every yard maintenance tip there is. So, I’m here to share my fall lawn care advice based on everything I’ve learned, because for me, promoting happy, healthy yards comes with the turf.

Don’t: Stick to your summer mowing schedule

Do: Increase the time between mowings by a few days

As tempting as it is to break out the lawn mower at the slightest hint of shaggy grass, you need to allow for a decreased growth rate, now that temperatures are starting to cool. Green leaves fuel root growth as the growing season ends, and the lawn begins to settle into winter dormancy.

Don’t: Stop watering

Do: Water less than usual

Of course, you don't want your lawn to dry out, but you can cut back on watering as temperatures drop. Grass roots will keep growing even as leaf growth slows. Wait until your area's first frost, which is when grass begins to enter dormancy, to stop watering completely.

Don't: Bag fallen leaves

Do: Mulch them

Instead of raking leaves into piles for disposal, mow over them several times so they break down into a ready-made compost. This helps feed your lawn naturally and promotes the health of your soil. Organically maintained lawns are more resilient to drought and more cushiony to play on. If the layer of fallen leaves is too thick for mowing, you can gather them up using a rake or leaf blower to compost them.

Don’t: Over-fertilize with nitrogen

Do: Top dress with compost

Another option: a phosphorus-rich fertilizer. Nitrogen promotes excess leaf growth, which is undesirable as the lawn prepares for winter dormancy. Instead, add a layer of compost or phosphorus, from bonemeal, over your lawn to promote root growth well into winter as the soil slowly cools.

Don’t: Forget to re-seed

Do: Broadcast (aka spread) fresh grass seed in early fall

Doing this now will help you establish cool-season grasses. The cool air and warm soil are the perfect environment to get new grass seed off to a good start. But don’t wait too long. After the first frost, it’s too late to reseed.

Don’t: Wait to dethatch

Do: Dethatch while the lawn is still actively growing

Dethatching (removing dead and living organic material like dead grass and roots that build up between the soil surface and your lawn) is good for your yard, but you need to do it at the right time. In cool climates, that's early fall, and in warm climates, it's late summer. Cleaning this excess buildup once it reaches 1 inch thick or more will help your lawn thrive.

Don’t: Aerate before dethatching

Do: Dethatch first

This removes the barrier between the leaves and the soil, clearing the way for aeration. Yearly aeration improves soil health by increasing air and water infiltration, which in turn promotes stronger root growth.

Expert-approved fall lawn care gear

Get your chores done quickly and easily with these essentials.