What you do in October decides how your lawn looks next May. Fall is the most important — and most overlooked — season for New England lawns.
Most people stop thinking about their lawn after Labor Day. But in New England, fall is when the real work happens. Cool nights and warm soil make autumn the best time to repair summer damage and build the strong roots that survive a Massachusetts winter.
Keep mowing — then lower it at the end
Keep mowing as long as the grass is growing. For the final cut of the season, drop the height slightly to about 2.5 inches. Long grass left over winter mats down and becomes a breeding ground for snow mold.
Do not let the leaves sit
A thick blanket of wet leaves blocks light and suffocates the lawn over winter. Stay on top of leaf cleanup through the fall rather than waiting for one massive pile in November.
Your fall checklist
- Aerate compacted soil to relieve a summer of foot traffic
- Overseed thin areas while the soil is still warm
- Apply a fall fertilizer to feed the roots
- Keep up with leaf cleanup, not one final dump
- Cut back perennials and protect tender plantings
Set next spring up now
A strong fall program is the difference between a patchy lawn and a lush one next May. Our crews handle aeration, overseeding, fertilizing, and full fall cleanups across Hudson, Sudbury, and Marlborough. Call for a free estimate before the season closes.
