Lawn Care Basics

If you're new to lawn care or just want the basics, we have lawn care tips for you.

Important Lawn Maintenance Projects for the Fall

These quick projects can make the difference between so-so and spectacular when it comes to fall grass — and next spring's lawn.

It's almost time to pack it in for winter, but before you pat yourself on the back for another awesome lawn season, there are a few things you can do that will make a serious difference come spring. Tackle these 15-minute yard maintenance projects now, then you can rest easy once the temperature drops.

Illustration of a man feeding his lawn with a lawn fertilizer spreader correctly next to another illustration of a man feeding his lawn incorrectly with meat.

Feed Your Lawn

The difference between a so-so stretch of grass and a truly beautiful lawn both now and next spring is two fall feedings. Fertilizing in early fall helps your lawn begin rebuilding grassroots that were damaged during the hot, dry summer. Since fall is also a great time to kill several types of lawn weeds, including clover and dandelion, you can do two jobs at once (boom!) by applying a weed and feed like Scotts® Turf Builder® WinterGuard® Fall Weed & Feed₃. If you live in the South and have a St. Augustine, zoysia, or centipedegrass lawn, use Scotts® Turf Builder® Southern Triple Action instead. It not only kills weeds and nourishes the lawn, but also kills and prevents fire ants. (Because, as the name implies, fire ants are never a good thing.)

Follow-up with a second fall feeding 6-8 weeks after your first fall fertilization. Scotts® Turf Builder® WinterGuard® Fall Lawn Food gives your fall grass the nutrients it needs to store up energy for a healthy spring push, plus helps to break down mulched-up leaves.

Illustration of a man spreading Scotts EZ Seed to feed his lawn by spreading it evenly across a bare spot.

Spruce Up Your Lawn

When kids (including the grownup ones) play on a lawn that's still hurting from the summer heat and drought, it can get damaged. If you have bare spots in the lawn (like the one left behind by the kiddie pool), use a product specifically formulated for repairing bare spots like Scotts® EZ Seed® Patch & Repair which is guaranteed to grow grass anywhere (when you give proper care). To thicken up a thin lawn, use Scotts® Turf Builder® Thick’R Lawn™, which is a 3-in-1 product uniquely formulated to help turn weak, thin grass into a thicker, greener lawn. With any seeding project, keep the soil surface moist. Try to make it out there for a light watering once a day or as needed until the seedlings have reached a mowing height.

Check out our seeding solutions article for more information.

Illustration of a man mowing over fallen leaves to rake them into the soil for nutrients.

Mulch Your Leaves

Don't let tree leaves smother your grass. Contrary to popular belief, fallen tree leaves will not insulate your lawn during winter. In fact, they can be a total buzzkill by blocking vital sunlight and thinning your grass. So, ditch the rake and mulch your leaves to dime-sized pieces with your lawnmower before applying one of your fall feedings to help the soil microbes break down the leaves.

See our article on mulching leaves for more information.

Check the Gutters

While you're hanging holiday lights and pretending you don't have a fear of heights, check the gutters and give them a good cleaning while you've already got the ladder out. You definitely don't want clogged gutters when winter storms roll in.

Illustration displaying how to properly set a lawnmowers blade height. 1 to 2 inches shorted in the Fall is suggested.

Mow Your Lawn Shorter

In late fall, drop your mower down and cut your lawn 1 to 2 inches shorter than you have the rest of the growing season. Continue to mow shorter until your grass stops growing in early winter, when both you and your lawn head into hibernation mode. For that final mowing, go even a little bit lower.

Stow Your Lawn Furniture

It's probably too cold now to sip lemonade on the patio, so before you settle in for your winter nap on the couch, put the outdoor cushions away and haul the grill and furniture into storage until next year.

Illustration of a man emptying his gas in his lawnmower then flipping it over to clean it with a hose spraying water.

Clean Up your Tools for a Fresh Start Next Spring

They've served you well all season, but now that you've completed your fall yard maintenance (heck yeah!), it's time to put the tools away. You'll keep them from rusting if you clean them up before you hang them up. Also, if you're done mowing for the year, don't forget to do your winter mower maintenance before storing.

Help Is Just a Click or a Phone Call Away

There's nothing like personal attention from a trusted expert to quickly answer any of your lawn and garden questions. Visit our Help Center to send us a note or speak with an expert by calling 1-888-270-3714.