The long, hot South Carolina summer takes a toll on your lawn. By the time fall arrives, your turf has battled heat, humidity, drought spells, foot traffic, and maybe even a few pests. While the cooler air feels like a relief, this is not the time to slow down your lawn care—it’s the perfect opportunity to repair summer damage and prepare your yard for a healthy, green comeback next year.
At KeckCo Turf & Ornamental Services, we know that what you do in the fall sets the tone for the next growing season. Here’s our complete guide to getting your lawn ready for cooler weather.
Why Fall Lawn Prep Matters
Fall in South Carolina means milder temperatures and more consistent rainfall—ideal conditions for turfgrass root growth. While the top of your grass may grow slower, the roots are still hard at work underground, storing energy for the winter ahead.
By feeding and protecting your lawn now, you’re giving it the strength to survive the colder months and green up faster in spring. Skipping fall prep can lead to more weeds, bare spots, and stressed turf come next year.
Step 1: Clear Summer Debris and Thatch
After months of barbecues, backyard games, and windblown leaves, your lawn may be littered with debris. Rake away leaves, branches, and dead grass to let sunlight reach the soil.
This is also the time to address thatch buildup—a layer of dead roots and stems that can block water and nutrients. Thatch thicker than ½ inch should be removed through dethatching or power raking.
Step 2: Aerate to Relieve Summer Compaction
Summer activities often leave your soil compacted, which restricts root growth. Fall is an excellent time to aerate because the grass is still actively growing, but the cooler weather reduces stress on the turf.
Core aeration removes plugs of soil, allowing air, water, and nutrients to penetrate more deeply. It also creates the perfect environment for overseeding (our next step).
Step 3: Overseed to Fill in Bare Spots
If your lawn has thin areas or bald patches, overseeding in the fall gives new grass time to establish before winter. This boosts turf density, enhances color, and helps crowd out weeds.
Choose a seed that matches your existing turf type, and keep the soil consistently moist until the seedlings are mature. Pairing overseeding with aeration ensures better seed-to-soil contact and faster germination.
Step 4: Fertilize for Strong Roots
Fall fertilization is all about feeding the roots, not just greening the blades. Apply a fertilizer rich in potassium and phosphorus to promote deep root development and winter hardiness.
Avoid high-nitrogen blends at this time of year, as they encourage top growth when your grass should be focusing on storing energy for the cold months.
Step 5: Weed Control Before Winter
Cooler weather doesn’t mean weeds are gone. Fall is the time to tackle persistent broadleaf weeds like clover, dandelion, and chickweed. Applying a targeted post‑emergent herbicide now prevents them from competing with your grass in spring.
For lawns with a history of winter annual weeds, a fall pre‑emergent herbicide can stop seeds from germinating.
Step 6: Adjust Your Watering Schedule
As temperatures drop, your lawn won’t need as much water as in summer, but don’t shut off your irrigation too soon. Roots still need moisture to stay healthy before winter dormancy. Water deeply but less frequently, and make sure your irrigation system is winterized before freezing weather arrives.
Step 7: Mow Properly Before Winter
Continue mowing as needed, gradually lowering your mowing height in the final cuts of the season (but never removing more than one-third of the blade at once). A shorter cut going into winter helps prevent fungal diseases and discourages pests.
Conclusion
Fall is more than just the season of pumpkin spice and cooler evenings—it’s the critical window for giving your lawn the care it needs to thrive. By aerating, overseeding, fertilizing, and controlling weeds now, you set the stage for a greener, stronger lawn next spring.
Let KeckCo Prepare Your Lawn for the Seasons Ahead
At KeckCo Turf & Ornamental Services, we take the guesswork out of fall lawn prep. From professional aeration and overseeding to fertilization and ornamental care, we’re here to make your yard the healthiest on the block. Call us today at 843-273-0735 or visit keckcoturf.com to schedule your fall service. Your lawn will thank you next spring.
