Fall Lawn Care in Ohio: Tips and Tricks for a Healthy Yard
Fall in Ohio is one of the best times to give your lawn the attention it deserves. As the temperatures cool and rainfall increases, your grass has the perfect environment to recover from summer stress and prepare for the cold winter months. By following a few essential fall lawn care practices, you’ll set the stage for a lush, green lawn come spring.
Keep Mowing, but Adjust the Height
Even though grass growth slows down in fall, don’t put the mower away just yet. Continue mowing your lawn until it stops actively growing. In Ohio, grass growth usually lasts until late October or early November. The difference is that you will now set your blade to 2.5-3 inches in height when you mow. We don’t want to cut the blades too short, as this can weaken the roots before winter,
Edge Driveways and Walkways
A clean edge not only improves curb appeal but also makes spring mowing easier and helps grass spread evenly.
Blow Out Sprinkler Systems
For homeowners with irrigation systems, fall is the time to winterize them to prevent frozen pipes and costly repairs.
Rake and Remove Leaves Regularly
Fallen leaves may look beautiful, but if they sit too long, they can smother your grass and encourage disease. You should start raking or mulching weekly. We suggest mulching leaves, as they can serve as a natural fertilizer for your lawn.
Tip: If you have a garden, throw mulched leaves into the soil for free fertilizer.
Aerate Your Lawn
Aeration relieves soil compaction, improves water and nutrient absorption, and allows roots to grow deeper. With Ohio’s clay-heavy soil, we recommend core aeration. Additionally, pair it with overseeding for the best results.
Overseed Bare Patches
More on overseeding, if you notice thin or patchy spots, it’s important to overseed. The cooler weather helps seeds germinate without the stress of summer heat. Use cool-season grass blends that are suited for Ohio, like Kentucky bluegrass. For other plants that thrive in the OH-IO state, check out our list here.
Plant Fall Bulbs Along Lawn Edges
Give your property a pop of color in spring by planting bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and crocus along lawn borders. It’s a great way to combine lawn care with landscaping.
Apply a Fall Fertilizer
Fertilizing in the fall strengthens roots and ensures your lawn has the nutrients it needs to survive winter and bounce back in spring. Choose a fertilizer high in potassium to promote root health and start applying it in late September or early October.
Control Weeds Before Winter
Weeds like dandelions and clover thrive in the fall if left unchecked. Applying a fall pre-emergent or selective herbicide will reduce weeds and give your grass a head start next year.
Prepare Your Lawn Equipment
As you wrap up fall lawn care, make sure to schedule your winter service with CEC Turf & Tractor. Additionally, use this time to clean your shed and organize your tools.