October Lawn Care Newsletter
Preparing Your Lawn for Winter Success and a Vibrant Spring Comeback
As cooler temperatures settle in, October is one of the most important months of the year for setting your lawn up for lasting health. Whether you're growing fescue, Bermuda, or Zoysia, now is the time to lock in recovery from summer stress and prepare your turf for the dormant months ahead.
1. Aeration & Overseeding: Final Call (Fescue Lawns Only)
If your fescue lawn hasn't been aerated and overseeded yet, October is the last chance. Waiting too long risks poor germination as soil temperatures drop.
- Why it matters: Aeration reduces compaction, improves root development, and helps new seed establish before winter.
- Tip: Consistent watering is critical—don't let those new seedlings dry out.
If you still need to schedule, call us immediately to secure one of the final spots.
2. Watering Adjustments for Fall
October brings more natural rainfall, so irrigation can potentially be scaled back.
- New seed (with irrigation): Keep soil consistently moist until seedlings are well established.
- If you don't have irrigation: Let Mother Nature take care of it. You may not see full germination until spring, but it will be there—patience is key. No irrigation is required, just time.
- Established lawns: 1 inch of water per week (from rain + irrigation) is sufficient.
Remember: Overwatering in cool, damp conditions slows growth and increases stress.
3. Fall Fertility & Root Development
Now is the time we apply nutrient blends designed to strengthen root systems. This prepares turf to withstand winter stress and green up faster in spring.
- Fescue (Cool Season): Fall fertilization builds density and color.
- Bermuda/Zoysia (Warm Season): Treatments now help store carbohydrates for a stronger comeback next year.
4. Weed Control: Warm vs. Cool Season
Weed control in October varies depending on your turf type and condition:
Warm-Season Lawns (Bermuda & Zoysia)
- Fall applications include both post-emergent control for active weeds and pre-emergent treatments to prevent winter annual weeds like henbit and chickweed from germinating.
Cool-Season Lawns (Fescue)
- Newly seeded lawns do not receive fall pre-emergent applications—these would prevent germination and stunt root development.
- Weed control depends on whether germination has occurred and if new grass has been mowed at least three times.
- The best weed control is always a thick, healthy stand of turf—and that's exactly what the TurfScapes program is designed to achieve year after year.
Let's Finish the Season Strong
October is the month that determines how well your lawn carries through winter and how it performs next spring. If you need aeration, overseeding, or have questions about watering, fertility, or weed control, don't wait—reach out today.
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If we missed the mark, please call or text 423-333-6015 so we can make it right.
Thank You for Choosing TurfScapes
We're proud to partner with you in keeping your landscape healthy and beautiful.
Call or text: 423-333-6015
Email: team@turfscapesoftn.com