Fall Lawn Care: The Perfect Fescue and Warm-Season Turf Guide

Summer heat stresses lawns. Fall's cooler temperatures are your window for recovery and winter preparation.

Fescue Lawns (Cool-Season, Year-Round Green)

• Reseed/overseed: Fall is prime time. Check soil pH/nutrients first (county extension)
• Aerate: If not done in 2-3 years, core aerate BEFORE seeding
• Quality seed + water: Soak 6-8" deep (~1" rain equivalent)
• Weed control: Selective broadleaf herbicide
• Fertilize: 16-4-8 in autumn, high-potassium in November

Warm-Season Turfs (Bermuda, Centipede, Zoysia)

• Final fertilizer by late September: Later delays dormancy, increases cold injury risk
• Reduce mowing: Raise height 0.5", mow 1-2 more times max
• Pre-emergent herbicide by September 30: Controls winter weeds
• Allow natural dormancy

Bottom Line

Restore fescue. Prepare warm-season grass for dormancy. Follow all chemical labels and safety precautions.