Fall Lawn Prep Checklist for Arlington & McLean Homeowners

The work you do in October is what determines how green and full your lawn looks next April. Northern Virginia homeowners who skip fall prep pay for it every spring. Here's the complete checklist we follow for every client.

The Full Fall Checklist

• Aerate and overseed thin or bare patches before mid-October
• Apply a fall fertilizer (high potassium) to strengthen roots
• Lower mowing height gradually as temperatures drop
• Clear leaves before they mat down and block sunlight
• Edge all beds and sidewalks for a clean winter look
• Trim back perennials and ornamental grasses
• Check irrigation heads and shut off the system before first frost
• Mulch any newly planted shrubs or perennials for winter protection

The Most Important Step: Don't Skip Leaf Removal

In Arlington and Falls Church, the leaf drop from red oaks, maples, and sweet gums can be overwhelming. Leaves left on the lawn for more than a week or two in wet fall conditions create a mat that blocks sunlight and air — leading to fungal disease and dead patches that won't recover until late spring. We typically recommend at least two clearing passes in November for heavily treed properties.

Timing Your Last Mow

Your last mow of the season should bring your tall fescue down to about 2.5 to 3 inches before growth stops for the winter. Too long and it can mat under snow. Too short and the crown of the grass is exposed to freeze damage. We typically do a final pass in mid-to-late November for most of our Arlington and McLean clients.