Give Your Turf the Fall Tune-Up It Deserves: 5 Steps to a Healthier Lawn

Summer takes a toll on lawns — foot traffic, heat, drought. Fall is the best time to revitalize so next year’s grass is the greenest and healthiest possible.

1. Know Your Grass

• Cool-season grasses (Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, perennial ryegrass): suited to cooler climates, peak in spring/fall, need more irrigation, mowed higher (erect growth).
• Warm-season grasses (Bermuda, St. Augustine, big bluestem): thrive in heat, more drought-tolerant, mowed lower.

Check with local lawn experts for specific recommendations.

2. Fertilize

Fall fertilize with NPK ratio 3-1-2 or 4-1-2 (approximate). Apply ~1 lb per 1,000 sq ft. Follow package directions — excess fertilizer damages grass.

3. Dethatch

Thatch = dead roots/stems between soil and green blades. Thin buildup: use hard rake or dethatching rake. >½": core aerate (fall or spring) — removes soil plugs, improves water/air/fertilizer penetration. >⅔": core aerate + add ⅛–¼" organic matter (compost/peat), water in well.

4. Control Weeds

Sept–Oct best for perennial broadleaf weeds (clover, dandelions). They’re actively storing nutrients for winter, so they absorb herbicides too. Few weeds: hand-pull. Many: use organic/non-organic chemicals per label. Bare spots from removal fill in quickly with healthy grass.

5. Sow Grass Seed

Mid-August to mid-September ideal for large bare areas or new lawn. Confirm local timing with county extension/nursery. Prep soil: till ≥6" deep, add ½–1" compost/peat, rake smooth, sow seed, water well, keep consistently moist until emergence (~6 weeks).