As we start feeling those first hints of cooler weather here in Fort Worth, it's time to start thinking about getting your lawn ready for the fall season. Even though we're still hitting those triple-digit temperatures pretty regularly, early fall is actually the perfect time to set your lawn up for success through the winter months and into next spring.

I recently came across some excellent advice from the folks at Green Biz Nursery & Landscaping Inc, and their insights on fall lawn care really align with what we've learned serving homeowners throughout Fort Worth, Benbrook, and Crowley. As someone who's been caring for Texas lawns for years, I can tell you that the families we work with who follow these essential fall steps always have the healthiest, most vibrant lawns come springtime.

At New Day Landscaping, we've built our reputation on comprehensive care that goes beyond just mowing. We know the Texas climate inside and out, and we've seen firsthand how proper fall preparation can make or break your lawn's performance through our harsh winters and scorching summers.

1. Understand Fort Worth's Unique Fall Timing

Here in North Texas, our fall timing is different from what you might read about in other parts of the country. While folks up north are already seeing leaves change, we're often still dealing with 90+ degree days well into October. But don't let that fool you – your lawn is already starting to prepare for the seasonal transition.

The key is getting ahead of the curve. Even when it's still hot outside, your grass is beginning to slow its growth and focus energy on building stronger roots for winter survival. That's why starting these fall care practices now, even in early September, sets you up for success.

2. Keep Your Lawn Well-Watered Until Ground Freeze

This is probably the most important thing I tell homeowners here in Fort Worth – don't stop watering just because the calendar says it's fall. Your lawn has been stressed all summer long from our brutal heat, and it needs consistent moisture to recover and build that strong root system.

In our area, we rarely see a hard ground freeze until late December or January, so you've got months of watering ahead. I always tell my clients to think of fall watering as an investment in next year's lawn. The families who keep up with consistent watering through fall always have lawns that bounce back faster and greener in spring.

Keep in mind that even though temperatures drop, our Texas winds can still dry out your soil quickly. Pay attention to your lawn's needs and adjust accordingly.

3. Apply Fall Fertilizer with the Right Nutrient Mix

Fertilizing in fall is crucial for Texas lawns, but it's got to be the right type. You want what's called a "winterizer" fertilizer with a 4-1-2 ratio:

• 4 parts nitrogen

• 1 part phosphorus

• 2 parts potassium

This combination helps your grass store energy and strengthens the root system for our unpredictable Texas winters. I've seen lawns that got proper fall fertilization come back 30% faster than those that didn't. It's one of those things that might seem expensive now, but pays huge dividends when your neighbors are still waiting for their grass to green up in March.

4. Handle Weeds Before They Become a Winter Problem

Fall is your best opportunity to tackle weeds before they become a major headache next spring. The weeds that establish themselves now will overwinter and come back with a vengeance when warm weather returns.

Before you start your fall mowing routine, take some time to pull weeds by hand or apply targeted weed killer. I always tell homeowners that spending an hour on weed control in fall saves you five hours of work next spring. Trust me on this one – I've seen too many beautiful lawns get overrun because folks skipped this step.

In our Fort Worth climate, we deal with a lot of winter weeds that other regions don't see, so getting ahead of them now is critical.

5. Adjust Your Mowing Height for Fall

This is where a lot of homeowners make a mistake – they keep mowing at summer height right through fall. For optimal fall preparation, you want to gradually lower your mowing height to about 2 inches. This shorter height prevents the thick grass mats that can trap moisture and lead to fungal problems during our damp winter months.

I've seen lawns develop serious mold and disease issues because they were left too long going into winter. Here in Texas, our winter humidity combined with occasional warm spells creates perfect conditions for lawn diseases if you don't manage the grass height properly.

Make the height adjustment gradually over a few cuts – don't shock your grass by cutting it super short all at once.

6. Manage Leaves Properly

If you've got mature trees on your property – and many of our Fort Worth neighborhoods have beautiful established trees – you'll need a strategy for leaf management. Small amounts of leaves can actually be beneficial when mulched into the lawn, acting like a natural fertilizer.

However, if you've got heavy leaf drop, those thick piles need to be removed. They'll smother your grass and create perfect conditions for disease and pest problems. I always recommend mulching light leaf coverage and raking up the heavy accumulations.

The key is finding the balance – some organic matter helps your soil, but too much becomes a problem.

Set Your Fort Worth Lawn Up for Year-Round Success

Taking care of these six essential fall tasks might seem like a lot of work now, but I guarantee you'll be thanking yourself come spring. Your lawn will recover faster from winter, green up earlier, and be more resilient against our infamous Texas summer heat.

At New Day Landscaping, we see the difference proper fall care makes every single year. The homeowners who invest time and attention in fall preparation consistently have the healthiest, most beautiful lawns in their neighborhoods. We don't just mow and move on – we pay attention to what your lawn needs throughout every season.

Ready to Give Your Fort Worth Lawn the Fall Care It Deserves?

Fall lawn preparation doesn't have to be overwhelming, but it does need to be done right. At New Day Landscaping, we've been helping Fort Worth families maintain beautiful, healthy lawns year-round with our comprehensive approach to lawn care. We offer competitive prices and believe in working together long-term, which means we're invested in your lawn's success season after season. 

When you notice something wrong – whether it's sprinkler issues, fertilizer needs, or weed problems – we don't just cut the grass, we help you care for it. 

If you're ready to ensure your lawn not just survives but thrives through fall and into next year, we'd love to help. Contact us today at (817) 760-0479 or visit our website to schedule your free consultation and learn how our local expertise can keep your lawn healthy all year long.