Fall Tips for a Healthy Spring Start
As the temperatures begin to drop in the Southeast, many homeowners assume lawn care season is winding down. But the truth is, fall is one of the most important times of year to give your yard the attention it needs. With a little planning and the right preparation, you can set your lawn up to thrive through the colder months — and come back stronger and greener when spring returns.
At LOVING, we know that each season plays a crucial role in the life cycle of your turf. Here are a few tips and tricks to prepare your lawn for colder weather…
1. Keep Mowing — But Adjust the Height
It might be tempting to stash the mower once the weather cools, but regular mowing should continue well into fall. The key is adjusting your cutting height. Gradually lower the mower blade to about 2.5–3 inches. Cutting too short can stress the grass before winter, but leaving it too tall can lead to disease and matting.
Pro Tip: Don’t remove more than one-third of the blade height at a time. This reduces stress on your grass and keeps it resilient going into dormancy.
2. Feed Your Lawn with a Fall Fertilizer
Fall is an ideal time to fertilize because the grass is storing energy in its roots for the winter. A slow-release fertilizer high in potassium can strengthen root systems and improve cold tolerance. This late-season boost helps your lawn green up faster in the spring and resist pests and disease.
Timing Tip: Aim to fertilize about 4–6 weeks before the first expected frost in your area — usually between late October and early November in the Carolinas and Georgia.
3. Aerate to Relieve Compaction
After a long summer of foot traffic, playtime, and hot weather, your soil may be compacted — which means air, water, and nutrients have a harder time reaching the roots. Fall is the perfect season to aerate your lawn. Core aeration creates small holes in the soil, allowing for deeper root growth and better nutrient absorption.
Bonus: Aeration also helps prevent thatch buildup, which can suffocate your grass and harbor pests over the winter.
4. Overseed for Thicker Spring Growth
If your lawn has thin or bare spots, overseeding in the fall can make a world of difference. Cooler temperatures and consistent moisture create ideal conditions for new grass seed to germinate and establish before winter dormancy. This step is especially important for cool-season grasses like fescue, which thrive in the Carolinas and Georgia.
LOVING Tip: Pair overseeding with aeration. The aeration holes provide excellent seed-to-soil contact, improving germination rates and resulting in a lusher spring lawn.
5. Rake and Remove Leaves Regularly
Fallen leaves might make for a beautiful fall scene, but they can quickly smother your lawn if left unattended. A thick layer of leaves blocks sunlight and traps moisture, creating the perfect environment for fungal diseases.
Make it a habit to rake or mulch leaves weekly. If you use a mulching mower, shredded leaves can even act as a natural compost, returning valuable nutrients to your soil.
6. Water Wisely — But Don’t Overdo It
While cooler weather means less evaporation, your lawn still needs consistent moisture to support root growth and nutrient absorption. Continue watering deeply once or twice a week until the first frost, especially if you’re overseeding.
Quick Check: If rainfall is providing about an inch of water per week, you can skip supplemental watering.
7. Clean Up Edges and Beds
Fall is also a great time to edge around walkways, driveways, and flower beds to keep your landscape looking neat through the winter. Removing weeds and applying a layer of mulch around plants can help protect root systems from cold snaps and reduce spring maintenance.
8. Plan Ahead for Sod Installation
If you’re considering sod installation for a new lawn or major renovation, fall is one of the best times to do it in the Southeast. Cooler temperatures and increased rainfall mean less stress on new sod and better root establishment before the heat of next summer.
At LOVING and NextDaySod.com, we offer high-quality sod tailored to our region so you can get the best match for your lawn’s needs.
A Little Fall Effort Goes a Long Way
Taking the time to care for your lawn now pays off big in the spring. With the right fall maintenance, you’ll enjoy a healthier, greener, more resilient yard — one that’s ready to impress as soon as the weather warms up.
Whether you’re a homeowner tackling outdoor projects, a homebuilder looking for seasoned professionals, or a landscaper managing multiple properties, we’re here to help! From expert landscape installation and lawn care services, to sod supply and outdoor living — we’re your partner in creating outdoor spaces that thrive season after season.
