Autumn is the perfect time to prepare your lawn for the colder months ahead. With a little care now, your yard will be healthier, greener, and ready to thrive when spring arrives. Here are a few seasonal tips for residents in the southwest metro Denver area:
🍂 Continue Mowing
Keep mowing your grass until it stops growing. Gradually lower the blade height to around 2–2.5 inches before the first frost. Shorter grass is less likely to mat under snow, which helps prevent mold and disease.
🍁 Rake and Remove Leaves
Don’t let fallen leaves smother your lawn. Raking or mulching leaves into small pieces keeps air and sunlight reaching the grass and reduces the risk of bare patches.
🌱 Aerate Your Lawn
Clay soils common in the Denver area can become compacted. Aeration opens up the soil, allowing water, oxygen, and nutrients to reach the root zone. Early fall is one of the best times to aerate.
🌾 Fertilize in the Fall
Apply a slow-release, nitrogen-rich fertilizer in September or October. This helps your lawn store nutrients through the winter and encourages a strong, early green-up in the spring.
💧 Water Wisely
Even though temperatures are cooler, your lawn still needs moisture. Keep watering until your irrigation system is winterized, aiming for about an inch of water per week.
🌿 Overseed Thin Areas
If your lawn has bare spots or thinning areas, overseeding in the fall allows new grass to establish before winter and return lush in spring.
Taking these steps now will save you time and effort next year—and help your lawn weather Colorado’s freeze-thaw cycles with ease.