Seasonal Guide
Preparing Your Lawn for Fall: A Seasonal Transition Guide
As temperatures cool, your warm-season grass needs specific care to enter dormancy healthy. Follow this fall preparation guide for a stronger lawn next spring.
Why Fall Prep Matters
What you do in September and October determines how your lawn looks next April. A well-prepared lawn enters dormancy with stored energy and emerges stronger. A neglected lawn struggles to recover.
September: The Transition Month
As nighttime temperatures drop below 65°F, your warm-season grass begins slowing growth:
- Gradually reduce mowing frequency
- Lower mowing height by half an inch
- Apply a final round of fertilizer (potassium-heavy)
- Continue regular watering until growth stops
October: Winding Down
- Stop fertilizing warm-season grasses
- Reduce watering to once per week
- Remove fallen leaves promptly (they block sunlight)
- Apply pre-emergent herbicide for winter weeds
- Aerate if you did not do so in spring
November: Dormancy Begins
Your Bermuda or Zoysia will turn tan/brown — this is normal:
- Stop mowing once growth ceases
- Water only during extended dry periods
- Keep foot traffic minimal on dormant grass
- Consider overseeding with ryegrass for winter color (optional)
Common Fall Mistakes
- Fertilizing too late (promotes tender growth that freezes)
- Scalping the lawn before dormancy
- Ignoring weed control (winter weeds establish now)
- Overwatering dormant grass (causes root rot)
Winter Color Options
If you cannot stand a brown lawn:
- Annual ryegrass provides temporary green cover
- Apply at 8-10 lbs per 1,000 sq ft
- It dies naturally when your warm-season grass wakes up
- Note: overseeding can slightly delay spring green-up
Plan Ahead for Spring
Fall is also the time to plan spring projects:
- Identify thin or bare areas that need new sod
- Note drainage issues while rain is frequent
- Schedule spring aeration and fertilization
- Get quotes for any sod replacement needed
The lawn that looks amazing in May was actually built in October. Think of fall prep as an investment with guaranteed spring returns — unlike that crypto your neighbor keeps talking about.