Fall Lawn Care Tips and Tricks in the Carolinas

As summer transitions into fall in the Carolinas, the needs of your lawn begin to change. Whether you’re a homeowner aiming to keep your yard looking its best or a landscaper helping clients maintain their properties, fall is a critical time for lawn care. Here are some practical tips and tricks to ensure your lawn thrives as the temperatures drop.

1. Aerate Your Lawn

Aeration is a crucial step as we head into fall, especially in the compacted clay soils found throughout the Carolinas. By aerating, you allow oxygen, water, and nutrients to penetrate deeper into the soil, promoting healthier root growth. 

2. Overseed for a Thicker Lawn

Fall is the ideal time to overseed your lawn. In the Carolinas, cool-season grasses like Fescue thrive when seeded in the fall. Overseeding helps fill in bare spots and ensures a lush, green lawn come spring. Landscapers can use this time to introduce new varieties that are more drought-tolerant or disease-resistant, giving lawns a better chance to survive the challenges of the following summer.

3. Adjust Your Mowing Height

As the weather cools, it’s important to adjust your mowing height. Lower the mower blades slightly to help remove excess thatch but not so low that you scalp the lawn. A general rule is to mow at a height of 2.5 to 3 inches. This height helps protect the grass as it enters dormancy while still keeping the lawn looking nice.

4. Fertilize for Future Growth

Fertilizing in the fall gives your lawn the nutrients it needs to recover from summer stress (heat, etc.) and prepare for the winter ahead. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to feed the roots without encouraging too much top growth. 

5. Water Wisely

Even though temperatures are cooler, it’s important not to neglect watering your lawn. In the Carolinas, fall can still bring dry spells. Water deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth. Early morning watering is best to reduce the risk of disease and ensure the lawn dries out before nightfall.

6. Control Weeds

Weeds often make a comeback in the fall as they take advantage of the cooler, wetter conditions. Apply a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent winter weeds like chickweed and henbit from taking root. 

7. Rake and Mulch Fallen Leaves

Fallen leaves can smother your grass if left unattended, blocking sunlight and trapping moisture. Regularly rake or use a mulching mower to chop the leaves into fine pieces that can serve as natural fertilizer. This practice helps maintain a healthy lawn while reducing the need for additional fertilization.

8. Prepare for Pests

Fall is a prime time for grubs and other pests (ie. Fall Armyworms) to start feeding on your lawn’s roots. Consider applying a grub control treatment to prevent damage. 

9. Plan for Winter Dormancy

Finally, prepare your lawn for its winter dormancy. For warm-season grasses like Bermuda and Centipede, this means allowing the grass to enter dormancy naturally without pushing too much late-season growth. For cool-season grasses, continue regular maintenance until the first frost, then let the lawn rest until spring.

Conclusion

Caring for your lawn in the Carolinas as we head into fall involves a mix of preparation and ongoing maintenance. By aerating, overseeding, adjusting mowing heights, and taking care of fertilization and pest control, you can ensure that your lawn remains healthy and resilient through the colder months.