This fall, customers’ lawns should be fertilized, watered, and aerated to encourage a healthy green-up in the spring. Lawn care operators should also consider herbicide applications to control existing weeds and prevent new ones from emerging in the spring.

Fertilizer Applications

Putting down fertilizer in the fall strengthens roots and increases turf density. A fertilizer application will also give the lawn the essential nutrients it needs to survive the winter and come back strong in the spring. You should expect fewer callbacks, as healthy turf stays vibrant well into the colder months and is more resilient to disease and other stressors.

Fall fertilizer applications can begin as early as September and continue even after the first frost, depending on which state you’re in. Make your application when air temperatures are above 40°F to maximize nutrient absorption.

When selecting a fertilizer, a slow-release product like 22-3-11 or 30-0-6 will provide a steady supply of nutrients over time—especially in the early fall when soil temperatures are still warm. A liquid product like Foliar-Pak 30-0-0 is also an effective slow-release option. When soil temperatures drop in the late fall, an all-mineral product like 34-0-4 would be more beneficial to make all the nutrients available in cold soils. On warm-season lawns, limit your use of nitrogen fertilizer so the turf can conserve energy and harden off naturally. Liquid products like Foliar-Pak 14-2-4 are a great workaround for warm-season lawns since they won’t risk damaging your customers’ lawns. Remember that your ATS rep can work with you to develop a plan and recommend fertilizers based on your needs and region.

Watering

During the fall, turf doesn’t require as much water as it does in the summer. Water customers’ lawns every few days, aiming for a total of one inch of irrigation per week to maintain turf health and avoid overwatering.

Mowing and Cleanup

Make sure your mower decks are set at the right height for the turf you’re mowing, and be sure to sharpen your blades. 

Using a mulching mower in the fall can simplify leaf cleanup. The mower will grind up the leaves, adding beneficial organic matter to the soil. These leaf remnants can also act as insulation, protecting customers’ lawns from temperature fluctuations. For the best results, mow leaves when they are dry. Another option for leaf cleanup is to use a grass catcher, which will allow you to collect leaves for composting, mulching, or disposal.

Aeration

Cool-season grasses should be aerated in the fall and at least four weeks before the first frost. Aeration will enhance water and nutrient penetration, promoting strong root growth and alleviating thatch buildup.

Spread a starter fertilizer like ATS 16-28-12 shortly after aerating to help enhance recovery. For those seeking an organic blend option, ATS 9-12-6 is a great choice.

Fall Herbicide Applications

Fall is the best time to control annual and perennial broadleaf weeds. In the fall, broadleaf weeds start moving nutrients down into their roots to prepare for winter. Applying a post-emergent herbicide in the fall will allow the chemistry to reach the roots, delivering a more complete kill. Targeting weeds now can keep them from emerging in the spring, reducing the risk of callbacks and freeing up time for crews to serve more customers. When it comes to products, ArmorTech 4-Runner controls over 90 weeds and provides fast-acting control, while Sure Power fights incredibly stubborn weeds like ground ivy and wild violet.

When cooler temperatures set in, many post-emergent herbicides start to lose their efficacy, but Defendor is designed specifically for cold weather performance. Its active ingredient, florasulam, targets 26 hard-to-control weeds, including dandelion and clover.

For winter annual weeds like henbit and hairy bittercress, a pre-emergent product like ArmorTech Kade 4L will control them on both cool- and warm-season turf.

As we draw closer to the end of the year, reach out to your ATS rep for more tips and product recommendations that will make for an easy spring. If you need a rep, you can find one here.