Fall Lawn Prep: The 4 Things That Actually Matter

dantepruden174
Jun 1
2 min read

Fall Is the Make-or-Break Season for Lawn Health

Spring gets all the attention, but fall is where long-term lawn health is really built. If you want your grass to come back thick, green, and weed-free next year, a solid fall prep is the move.

Here’s what actually matters in Alberta — no fluff, just the essentials.

1. Keep Mowing — Just Not Too Short

As the weather cools down, your grass doesn’t stop growing — it just slows down.

Keep mowing every 7–10 days until growth stops
Set your blade to 2.5 to 3 inches
Don’t scalp it short “for the winter” — that weakens roots and invites mold

Final mow: Drop to around 2–2.25 inches to help avoid snow mold buildup under heavy snow.

2. Aerate If You Haven’t Yet

Fall is one of the best times to aerate.

Why it works:

Loosens compacted soil from summer traffic
Opens space for water, air, and nutrients
Boosts root growth before dormancy

If you didn’t aerate in spring, fall is your last shot before winter locks everything up.

3. Overseed Bare or Thin Areas

Fall is prime time for overseeding because the soil is still warm, but the air is cooler — perfect for seed germination.

Rake and loosen the soil
Spread a high-quality seed mix suited for Alberta
Keep it moist for 2–3 weeks (light watering daily if needed)
Pair with aeration and fertilizer for best results

Even if you don’t seed the whole yard, targeting trouble spots goes a long way.

4. Apply Fall Fertilizer

Fall feeding isn’t about making the grass grow fast — it’s about strengthening the roots before winter.

Look for:

A low-nitrogen, high-potassium mix (like 10-0-20 or 6-4-20)
Apply after your final mow, but before the ground freezes
Water it in to help absorption

The result: a stronger, healthier lawn in spring — without the early weed takeover.

Optional: Remove Leaves Regularly

Don’t let a thick layer of leaves sit all fall. It traps moisture, kills grass, and encourages mold. Mulch them with your mower or rake them up every week or two.

Final Thoughts

Fall lawn care is all about recovery and preparation. Don’t coast into winter — invest a little time now and your lawn will thank you next season with thicker growth, fewer weeds, and better color.

Want Us to Take It from Here?

Acres Lawncare offers complete fall cleanup packages — including mowing, aeration, overseeding, and fertilizing — all done on schedule and the right way.