Fall Lawn Preparation Guide for Georgia

Fall Aeration Window

Early fall is the ideal time to aerate warm-season lawns in Middle Georgia. The grass is still actively growing but temperatures are dropping, which means less heat stress during recovery. Core aeration pulls small plugs from the soil, breaking up clay compaction and opening channels for water and nutrients to reach the root zone. For best results, aerate in September or early October while bermuda and zoysia are still growing.

• Aerate when soil is moist but not saturated — dry clay is too hard for proper plug depth.
• Leave the cores on the lawn. They break down naturally and return nutrients to the soil.
• Combine aeration with overseeding for maximum benefit on thin lawns.

Fall Pre-Emergent for Winter Weeds

Georgia does not get a weed break in winter. Cool-season weeds like henbit, chickweed, and annual bluegrass germinate in fall and grow through winter. A fall pre-emergent application in mid-September to early October creates a barrier that stops these seeds from taking root. This is separate from the spring pre-emergent — both are necessary for year-round control.

Final Fertilizer Application

A fall fertilizer application with higher potassium content strengthens cell walls and improves cold hardiness. Apply in late September or early October while the grass can still take up nutrients. This is not the time for heavy nitrogen — you want to harden off the grass, not push new growth heading into dormancy.

• Look for a fertilizer with a higher potassium number (the third number on the bag).
• Apply 4 to 6 weeks before the first expected frost.
• Do not fertilize after the lawn begins going dormant.

Lower Mowing Height Gradually

As growth slows in October and November, gradually lower your mowing height over several cuts. This reduces thatch buildup heading into winter and exposes the crown of the plant to sunlight. Do not scalp the lawn in one pass — drop the height by half an inch per mowing session until you reach the lower end of the recommended range for your grass type.