These 5 fall lawn care essentials for a beautiful spring lawn are critical. Fall in Central Indiana is a beautiful time of year. Warm days in the high 60s and low 70s with cool nights perfect for a peaceful sleep. The leaves turn brilliant reds, yellows, and shades of orange. Pumpkins are on the vine, and the holidays are closer than you think. It’s also a critical time for lawn care.

Just because summer is fading as fast as the evening sun doesn’t mean it’s time to forget about lawn care. It’s just the opposite. If you want a vibrant lawn next spring, then fall lawn care is essential.

5 Fall Lawn Care Essentials 

1. Fertilize

Spring isn’t the only time to fertilize your lawn. Fertilizing your lawn in the fall helps it survive the winter by feeding it before the ice and snow cover it. It not only prepares your lawn to take on winter fertilizing readies it for spring. A slow-release, high-nitrogen fertilizer can last up to 120 days.

“Always make one last high-nitrogen fertilizer application in late fall (November in Indiana), applying 1 to 1.25 pounds of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet.” — Purdue Extension 

2. Weed Control 

Autumn is the time to get ahead of weeds, especially broadleaf weeds like dandelions. Spot spraying can be effective, but blanket application might be called for if the weeds are widespread. By applying a post-emergent herbicide in the fall that goes directly to the weed’s roots, many perennial weeds, including plantain, chickweed, and thistle, will be drastically reduced in number come spring.

3. Overseed 

It’s important to overseed bare spots on your lawn in the fall. However, overseeding the entire lawn is a sure way to have a dense green lawn next spring and reduce weed growth and emergence.

“A dense lawn also is good protection against weeds which is why it’s important to overseed existing turf. Not only does that fill in thin spots or bare patches, but it also allows you to introduce the latest in resilient, drought-tolerant grasses. Fall is the best time to overseed because the ground is still warm, moisture is more plentiful, nights are cool, and the sun is not as hot during the day.” — This Old House — Fall Lawn Care Tips  

4. Aerate 

If you want a beautiful lawn next spring, it all starts with the roots. So, let’s get to the “root” of the problem. If you want a thick lawn, grass roots need water, nutrients, and even air. When your soil is compacted as little as ¼ inch, it can block nutrients and water. Think about it like this. The compacted soil is like putting a lid on your lawn, not allowing it the things it needs to thrive. The first three points in the post, fertilizing, weed control, and overseeding, can all be hindered by compacted soil. Don’t skip this in the fall. It is essential for a healthy lawn.

5. Pest Control 

Grubs, armyworms, chinch bugs, and more invade our lawns. Left uncontrolled, they can make your hard yard work for naught. One of the easiest and safest ways to control these pests is to make their environment less friendly. You can accomplish this by keeping up with lawn maintenance, mowing at 2.5 to 3.5 inches during the fall months, keeping the leaves raked, and dethatching, all help control insect infestation. Although pesticides can eradicate many pests, it’s best to know which pests you’re dealing with to apply effective as well as environmentally friendly and pet and children safe remedies.   

Yes, fall is a beautiful time of year for walks in the woods, visits to orchards, and pumpkin spice lattes, but it’s also a critical time for lawn care. By following these 5 fall lawn care actions, you’ll help your lawn spring into life next year!  

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