Lush, resilient lawns in the spring are the direct result of thoughtful, targeted work in the fall. From soil preparation to weed control, every step a landscaper takes now plays a role in turf health months later. FSI Landscape Supply shares expert insight and practical commentary on key fall lawn care strategies to help contractors and professional landscapers set the stage for standout results in the spring. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Fall Lawn Care Tips for Green, Lush Spring Grass, By Megan Hughes, Updated on July 21, 2025, https://www.bhg.com/fall-lawn-care-tips-8720700 ).

Adjusting Mowing Height

Lowering mowing height slightly in the fall helps minimize disease risk and prepares turf for winter.

FSI Landscape Supply shares, “Adjusting your mowing height is about striking the right balance. Cutting grass too low before frost can damage the crown, while leaving it too high creates a mat that traps moisture and invites disease. For most cool-season grasses, dropping the mower deck to around 2 to 2.5 inches helps avoid winter complications without stressing the turf. This small adjustment is often overlooked, but it has a big impact on spring lawn performance.”

Proper Fall Watering

Even as temperatures drop, lawns continue to need moisture until the ground freezes.

FSI Landscape Supply notes, “Grass doesn’t go dormant the moment temperatures cool. Root systems are still active and need water to establish themselves. Contractors managing irrigation schedules should continue to run systems until consistent frost sets in. Deep, infrequent watering is key—it encourages roots to grow deeper and strengthens the lawn’s resilience through winter.”

Fertilizing for Root Strength

Fall is a prime window for feeding the lawn—setting it up for explosive spring growth.

FSI Landscape Supply comments, “This is the most strategic time to apply a slow-release, nitrogen-heavy fertilizer. The turf is naturally shifting energy into root development, and the right nutrient blend helps boost that process. When paired with core aeration, fall fertilization leads to significantly healthier, thicker lawns in the spring. It’s a simple investment with long-term payoff.”

Repairing Bare or Dead Patches

Early fall offers ideal conditions to reseed thinning or damaged areas.

FSI Landscape Supply highlights, “Cool nights, warm soil, and consistent moisture create the perfect storm for grass seed germination. When patching dead zones, ensure good seed-to-soil contact and follow with a light layer of topsoil to keep everything in place. Professional landscapers know a patchy lawn now is a major liability in spring—fix it while conditions are still on your side.”

Laying Sod

For larger bare areas, sod is an efficient alternative to seeding.

FSI Landscape Supply shares, “Using sod in the fall can save weeks of waiting and guesswork. It roots quickly in warm soil, and the cooler air reduces transplant stress. Just be sure the base is well-prepped—incorporate fresh topsoil for leveling and nutrient support, and roll it in to ensure firm root contact. Sod is a reliable solution when timelines are tight and curb appeal is non-negotiable.”

Managing Thatch Levels

Thatch buildup can choke out turf by blocking nutrients and water from reaching the roots.

FSI Landscape Supply notes, “Contractors should be routinely checking thatch depth. Anything thicker than half an inch interferes with airflow, holds excess moisture, and harbors pests. When turf feels spongy underfoot, it’s time to intervene. Ignoring thatch invites serious issues down the road, especially under snow cover.”

Dethatching to Promote Growth

Removing excess thatch gives the lawn room to breathe and improves the effectiveness of all other treatments.

FSI Landscape Supply advises, “Power dethatching opens up the lawn’s surface, creating better seed-to-soil contact for overseeding. Following up with topdressing ensures even coverage and helps hold moisture during germination. This process rejuvenates tired lawns and sets up your clients for early success in the spring.”

Core Aeration

Breaking up compacted soil allows roots to expand and improves nutrient absorption.

FSI Landscape Supply shares, “Aeration is one of the most powerful yet underused tools in a contractor’s arsenal. Core aeration relieves soil compaction, especially in high-traffic areas, and primes the turf to take in fertilizer and grass seed. Follow with overseeding and a topsoil-based dressing for best results. Clients will see a visible difference come spring.”

Weed Control in the Fall

Fall is an ideal time to target persistent weeds and reduce spring infestations.

FSI Landscape Supply notes, “Perennial weeds like dandelions and plantain are vulnerable in the fall as they store nutrients for winter. Applying targeted herbicides now drastically reduces their return in spring. It also gives seeded areas a better chance to establish without fighting for space and resources.”

Topdressing for Soil Health

A thin layer of nutrient-rich topsoil can dramatically improve lawn structure and seed performance.

FSI Landscape Supply comments, “Topdressing with a fine, screened mix rejuvenates tired soil, improves moisture retention, and smooths out surface imperfections. After aeration or overseeding, it acts as a protective blanket—boosting germination and reducing runoff. Contractors using high-quality landscape supplies will see consistent, professional-grade outcomes.”

Leaf Removal

Leaving leaves on the lawn leads to suffocation and fungal problems over the winter.

FSI Landscape Supply shares, “Mulching small amounts is fine, but large piles need to go. Thick layers of wet leaves block sunlight, promote rot, and suffocate the turf. Routine cleanup keeps lawns healthy and prevents setbacks that delay spring recovery. It’s also a crucial step before overseeding or topdressing.”

Draining Irrigation Lines

Properly shutting down irrigation systems before winter prevents serious damage.

FSI Landscape Supply advises, “Every contractor should be winterizing irrigation lines before freeze-up. Even minimal water left in the system can expand and crack pipes. Blow-outs and proper drainage are standard fall protocol—and skipping them leads to expensive repairs and unhappy clients come spring.”

Final Thoughts from FSI Landscape Supply

Fall lawn care is more than a seasonal task—it’s a long-term strategy. For professional landscapers and contractors, it’s the time to apply technical skill, timing, and quality landscape supplies to ensure top-tier results.

FSI Landscape Supply concludes, “Fall is when you separate reactive maintenance from proactive results. Whether you’re laying sod, applying grass seed, or enriching with topsoil, every move now shapes the lawn’s future. Smart contractors treat fall as the real beginning of the growing season—not the end.”