🍂 Fall Lawn Care: Aeration, Overseeding, and Fertilizing Tips

Fall is one of the most important seasons for lawn care.

Cooler temperatures and consistent moisture create the perfect conditions to strengthen your turf after summer stress and prepare it for the winter ahead.

With the right care now, you’ll enjoy a greener, healthier lawn come spring.

Here’s how to make the most of this crucial season with expert aeration, overseeding, and fertilizing tips from LawnMart.

🌱 1.

Aeration: Give Your Lawn Room to Breathe

Over time, soil becomes compacted—especially after a summer of foot traffic, mowing, and heat.

Aeration loosens the soil, allowing air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots.

✅ Why Aerate in Fall

The soil is still warm, but the air is cool—ideal for root growth.

Grass is actively recovering from summer stress.

Reduces thatch buildup and improves drainage.

🛠 How to Aerate

Use a core aerator to remove small plugs of soil across your lawn.

Focus on high-traffic areas or sections that feel hard and compacted.

After aeration, leave the plugs on the surface—they’ll break down naturally and return nutrients to the soil.

💡 LawnMart Tip: You can rent a core aerator from your local LawnMart location or find one through our Lawn Equipment Rental Program online.

🌾 2.

Overseeding: Fill in Thin or Bare Spots

Fall is the best time to overseed your lawn.

The soil is warm enough for germination, and weeds are less likely to compete.

Overseeding helps you achieve a thicker, lusher lawn that’s more resistant to pests and disease.

✅ Steps for Success

Mow low and rake away debris.

Aerate first to give seeds better soil contact.

Spread high-quality grass seed evenly across your lawn.

Water lightly but frequently to keep soil consistently moist.

💡 LawnMart Tip: Choose a grass seed blend suited to your region and sun exposure.

Our LawnMart experts can help you find the perfect match for your yard.

🌿 3.

Fertilizing: Feed for Strong Roots

Fall fertilization focuses on root development, not top growth.

The goal is to store nutrients for the winter so your lawn greens up faster in spring.

✅ What to Use

Look for a slow-release, nitrogen-rich fertilizer labeled for fall use.

The best formulas contain potassium and phosphorus to boost root strength and disease resistance.

🕒 When to Apply

Early to mid-fall: After aeration and before the first frost.

After overseeding: Once new seedlings begin to grow, apply fertilizer to support healthy establishment.

💡 LawnMart Tip: Avoid applying fertilizer before heavy rain—it can wash away nutrients and harm local waterways.

🌤 4.

Watering and Maintenance

Keep watering your lawn through fall, especially after overseeding.

Consistent moisture helps seeds germinate and strengthens root systems.

Water deeply but less frequently to encourage deeper roots.

Continue mowing until grass growth slows, keeping blades around 2.5–3 inches tall.

As leaves begin to fall, mulch or rake regularly to prevent smothering new seedlings and grass blades.