8 Common Fall Lawn Care Mistakes to Avoid for Healthier Grass in the Spring

After months of diligently mowing, weeding, and watering your lawn through summer, don't be tempted to skimp on lawn care at the end of the season. How you care for your turf in the fall determines what it will look like in the spring. Avoid the following lawn care mistakes so your grass will come back healthy and strong after the winter.

Mistake 1: Putting Away the Lawn Mower Too Early

As temperatures drop and daylight decreases, grass slows its above-ground growth (the roots continue to grow vigorously in the lingering warm soil). It is tempting to stop mowing, especially if you’ve been mowing every five to seven days during summer. Don’t put away your mower quite yet.

A tall lawn of more than 4 inches will not overwinter well. Tall grass is more likely to attract rodents like voles over the winter. And it's also more susceptible to lawn diseases that emerge during winter and spring freeze-and-thaw cycles.

The right move: Mow until the grass stops growing, which could be as late as November. Mow your lawn to a height of 2 ½ to 3 inches.

Mistake 2: Layers of Leaves on the Turf

A lawn needs light, air, and moisture during the winter months. A thick layer of soggy leaves left on the turf will inhibit the grass from getting these vital elements. “Leaving the leaves" is still a good idea, but the leaves should be chopped finely and distributed evenly across a lawn. Aim for no more than ½-inch of shredded leaves spread over a lawn. Any layer thicker than that will impede healthy turf growth.

The right move: Get out your rake or your lawn mower. If you choose to rake, add the leaves to a compost pile or use them in planting beds as mulch. To shred the leaves with a lawn mower, crisscross the area several times to chop them finely.

Mistake 3: Over-Irrigating

In most locations, cooler temperatures in fall, combined with more frequent rain, reduce the amount of irrigation grass needs. Overwatering your lawn leads to fungal diseases and other issues, especially going into winter.

The right move: Adjust your irrigation system frequently to meet the current needs of your turf. Lawns grow best with about 1 inch of water per week. If lots of rain is in the forecast, be prepared to adjust or turn off your irrigation.

Mistake 4: Skipping Fall Fertilizer Application

Fall is the very best time to fertilize a lawn. While spring fertilization pushes the turf to produces lush, green shoots, fall fertilize stimulates turf to develop a strong root system that will sustain it over winter and prepare the lawn for vibrant regrowth in spring. Many turf scientists agree that you get more bang for your buck when fertilizing in fall, as opposed to spring.

The right move: Apply a fall fertilizer blend for lawns in early fall. Follow package directions exactly to prevent groundwater pollution.

Mistake 5: Fertilizing Too Late

The lawn must be actively growing for fertilizer to be effective. If the lawn isn’t actively growing, the fertilizer will likely wash away into nearby groundwater, or it will simply sit on the soil surface if the ground is frozen.

The right move: Spread fertilizer over your lawn in early fall. If soil temperatures are warm, lawn grass will continue to actively grow for several weeks, even after a killing frost.

Mistake 6: Skipping Fall Weed Control

If weeds are wreaking havoc in your lawn, fall is the time to eradicate them. While it is possible to treat weeds in spring, it is much more effective in fall.

The right move: Broadleaf perennial weeds are sending nutrients to their roots in preparation for winter. Applying herbicides now stops them in their tracks. Always make sure to follow herbicide label directions carefully.

Mistake 7: Aerating or Dethatching Too Late

Aerating and dethatching are essential lawn care practices—they boost growth by making it easier for oxygen, water, and nutrients to reach soil roots. Fall is the best time to aerate and dethatch but when done too late, it causes more damage to the turf than good.

The right move: Aim to dethatch or aerate your lawn at least four weeks before the first killing frost in your area. This timing allows the grass to recover and regrow before winter sets in.

Mistake 8: Missing the Fall Seeding Window

If you seed or overseed your lawn too late in the fall, the seed may not have enough time to germinate, grow a strong root system, and harden off before winter. In the worst-case scenario, your seeding efforts are lost and need to be repeated in the spring.

The right move: Seed and overseed your lawn at least four weeks before the first killing frost in your area. The warm soil conditions will extend for several weeks, giving seedlings ample time to grow before winter.