The Complete Guide to Fall Lawn Care: Best Practices for Preparing Your Lawn for Winter

Continue Mowing

Continue mowing your Colorado Springs lawn as the weather progresses from summer to fall. Grass height and mowing frequency are as important in the fall as in the summer. 

Ideal mowing height:

• Bluegrass, ryegrass, fescue, and wheatgrass should be a height of 2 to 3 inches. 
• Buffalo grass can be mowed to 2 to 3 inches but also do well unmowed.

How often should you mow your lawn in the fall? Mow your lawn often enough so that you’re never taking off more than 1/3 of the grass height during any single mowing. If you’re trying to maintain a grass height of 2 inches, you’ll want to mow when your grass is three inches tall. 

You can let grass clippings compost directly on the lawn, or you can mix them with your fall leaves in your compost pile.

Reduce Watering Frequency

Your lawn may grow a little slower in the fall, but that doesn’t mean you should stop watering it completely. Your Colorado Springs lawn is still growing; turfgrasses form side shoots and rhizomes in the fall, which make your turf more dense and help it recover from summer stress. Watering in the fall can also help discourage winter mites and optimize your fall fertilization for better results. 

On average, October is the wettest month in Colorado Springs, so you’ll have some rainfall to help water your lawn. If you see signs of dehydration, such as footprints remaining on the lawn after an hour, give your turf the water it needs. Water one to two times a week, only when air and soil temperatures exceed 40 degrees F with no snow cover. Water no later than mid-day so the water can soak into the soil before possible freezing temperatures at night.

Fall Aeration

Aeration can loosen compacted soil, improve air circulation, and enhance water absorption. The best time to aerate your Colorado Springs lawn is in the fall or spring, when the practice of pulling cores (plugs of soil) out of the lawn can help move more air, water, and nutrients into the root zone.

Aeration can be done once annually for a lawn that gets moderate use; however, lawns that see heavy traffic or look thin, patchy, and bare could benefit from a fall aeration and spring aeration. 

Schedule your Colorado Springs seasonal lawn aeration services with JRick Lawn and Tree.

Fall Lawn Fertilization

Fertilizing in the fall helps strengthen grass to withstand the upcoming winter season, helping it grow thicker and healthier in the spring. For Colorado Springs homeowners, the best time of year to fertilize your cool-season turf types, like Kentucky bluegrass, is between September and November. 

Fall fertilization will provide your turf with a healthier root system. It will encourage dense, green spring lawns without excessive top growth. 

Fertilize with nitrogen while your grass is still green. Moist soil helps nitrogen dissolve, so apply fertilizer within a day of watering. Avoid adding fertilizer to grass that is dry, dormant (brown), or cold.

Weed Control

Keep weeds under control so they don’t compete with your grass. Fall season brings some weed control considerations, especially if you’re using post-emergent herbicides for broadleaf weed control. The ideal temperature for applying most post-emergent herbicides is between 65° F and 85° F. You’ll also want to avoid applying post-emergent herbicides within 24 hours of watering or expected rain, which can be difficult during Colorado’s rainiest month (October). 

Hand-pulling or mowing may be the best methods for weed control in the fall if the weather is too cool or wet for proper herbicide use.

Seeding and Repair

Lastly, fall is a perfect time for overseeding and repairing dead patches of lawn before winter weather and snow sets in. Overseeding can be done at the same time as aerating to help fill in dead spots and add more color and diversity to your lawn in the spring.

Winter Water Considerations

Watering guidelines change with the seasons. To prevent freezing winter damage, your irrigation system should be winterized (blown out ). Use a hose to water once per month if there is low snowfall or days above 50°F when there is no snow cover or wind. Water no later than mid-day so it can soak in before temperatures drop below freezing at night.

Snow Considerations

Piles of snow can damage your lawn, stressing the grass and increasing the risk of fungal infections. If you notice uneven piles of snow on your lawn, breaking it up and spreading it out evenly can help encourage snowmelt. Avoid using rock salt on your lawn, which can damage your turf.