Fall Lawn Care in Memphis: Best Practices for a Healthy, Beautiful Yard

czarina • October 27, 2025

Share this article

As the vibrant greens of summer give way to the golden tones of fall, your lawn in Memphis begins its quiet transition into dormancy. But don’t be fooled—autumn isn’t the time to neglect your grass. In fact, fall is one of the most important seasons to care for your lawn if you want it to look lush and healthy come spring.

Here are some best practices (and a few fun facts!) to help your yard thrive this season:

1. Keep Mowing—But Lower the Blade Gradually

Many homeowners stop mowing as soon as the weather cools, but your lawn still needs a trim! Continue mowing until the grass stops actively growing. As fall progresses, slightly lower your mower blade —ending about one notch lower than your summer height. 

Did you know? Cutting your grass too short, too soon, can actually stress it out—making it more vulnerable to frost and weeds later on.

2. Rake or Mulch the Leaves

Those colorful leaves may look pretty, but if they sit too long, they can smother your lawn and block sunlight. Rake regularly—or better yet, mulch them with your mower to create a natural, nutrient-rich layer that feeds your soil.

Did you know? Mulched leaves decompose quickly and can provide up to 25% of your lawn’s annual nutrient needs !

3. Overseed Thin Patches in Fescue Lawns

If your fescue lawn has thin or bare spots, fall is prime time to overseed . The soil is still warm, and cooler air temperatures make it easier for new grass to establish strong roots. Combine overseeding with aeration for best results.

Did you know? Fall-seeded grass has a higher germination rate than spring-seeded grass—giving you a head start before weeds take hold.

4. Feed Your Lawn a Fall Fertilizer

Your grass may not be growing as fast above ground, but underground, its roots are still busy. Applying a slow-release fall fertilizer helps build strong roots and store nutrients through the winter.

Look for one that’s low in nitrogen and high in potassium —two key nutrients for root development and winter resilience.

Did you know? Grass roots can grow up to three times deeper in the fall than in the summer—making fall feeding crucial for next year’s green-up.

5. Watch Out for Weeds

Broadleaf weeds like clover and dandelion love the fall too. A pre-emergent weed treatment or targeted spot spray can help prevent them from taking over while your grass is resting.

Did you know? Weeds are actually more vulnerable in fall because they’re busy storing nutrients in their roots—making treatments more effective!

6. Plan Ahead for Next Year

Before winter hits, take stock of what worked well this year and what didn’t. Need better drainage? Thinking about switching to a more resilient grass type? Fall is the perfect time to schedule a lawn evaluation or maintenance plan with the experts at Personal Lawn Care Inc.

We know the unique challenges Memphis lawns face—from heavy clay soils to unpredictable weather—and we’re here to help your yard look its best all year long.

In Summary:

Fall lawn care is all about preparation —giving your grass the nutrients, air, and care it needs to rest well through winter and wake up strong in spring. With a little effort now, you’ll be rewarded with a greener, healthier lawn when the warm weather returns.

 

Need help getting started?
Personal Lawn Care Inc. offers professional aeration, overseeding, fertilization, and weed control services tailored to the Mid-South region. Let’s make sure your lawn is ready for whatever the Memphis seasons bring!

Call us today or visit our website to schedule your fall lawn care service.

Recent Posts

Lush, bright green lawn filling the frame.
By Kimberly Smith May 28, 2025
If you’re living in Memphis and dreaming of a lush, green lawn that survives the Southern heat and thrives throughout the seasons, the good news is—you’re in the right climate for some fantastic grass options. But not all grass types are created equal. With Memphis’ hot, humid summers and typically mild winters, choosing the right… The post Best Lawn Grass Types for Memphis and Year-Round Care Tips appeared first on Personal Lawn Care, Inc..
By Kimberly Smith February 10, 2025
Spring might feel far away, but it’s never too early to dream of a lush, green lawn. By tackling a few simple tasks now, you’ll set the stage for a thriving yard that’s the envy of the neighborhood. Here are some practical tips to get you started: 1. Start with Scalping  Start with Scalping (Warm… The post Lawn Care Tips to Prepare for Spring appeared first on Personal Lawn Care, Inc..
By Kimberly Smith July 17, 2023
Many people in the Memphis area will have freeze damage to their landscaping over the winter. When that happens, it raises many questions. We found a great video about rejuvenation pruning and how it’s saving landscapes in the Memphis area after a brutal winter freeze! Dale Skaggs, the director of horticulture at the Dixon Gallery… The post Rejuvenation Pruning After Freeze Damage appeared first on Personal Lawn Care, Inc..
By madwire July 8, 2021
You may not be too concerned about how you’re mowing your lawn — all that really matters is that it looks lush and lively. After all, is there a wrong way to mow? According to most lawn care professionals, there absolutely is a right and wrong way to go about mowing your lawn. Proper lawn… The post 7 Tips for a Lush Lawn appeared first on Personal Lawn Care, Inc..
By madwire May 26, 2021
Weed control services are essential for proper lawn maintenance. You spend too much time and money keeping your yard well-groomed to have it ruined by pesky weeds. We know all too well that that’s easier said than done. Weed removal is an ongoing process during the spring and summer months. At Personal Lawn Care, we… The post The Problems Weeds Pose to Your Lawn appeared first on Personal Lawn Care, Inc..
By madwire May 26, 2021
Did you remember to get a flu shot… for your lawn? Protect Zoysia now or resod later. Thick Zoysia turf can be an envy of the neighborhood. This versatile durable grass grows well from full sun to partial shade. It’s durable, but not indestructible. During the spring & fall Zoysia can quickly come under attack-seemingly… The post Flu Shot for Your Lawn appeared first on Personal Lawn Care, Inc..
Lawn fertilizer services in Memphis, with fresh grass growing in soil, and a button
By madwire March 10, 2021
If you haven’t read part one of this series, be sure to catch up on our first three lawn care tips to prepare your yard for spring. If you live in Memphis and the surrounding areas, don’t let the warm days and backyard parties sneak up on you — get in touch with Personal Lawn… The post Six Lawn Care Tips To Prepare for Spring – Part Two appeared first on Personal Lawn Care, Inc..
Lush green grass with text overlay
By madwire February 26, 2021
They say: “spring is in the air…”  Well, almost. As we round out the month of February, most of us are looking forward to putting the cold, winter days behind us. While it’s not quite time to plant a garden or pull out the picnic basket, it’s high-time you start preparing your lawn for the… The post Six Lawn Care Tips To Prepare for Spring – Part One appeared first on Personal Lawn Care, Inc..
Lush green grass against a blue sky with text:
By madwire August 17, 2020
You see them all over TV, hear about them from your green-thumbed neighbor, and know you need to have a bottle or two in your garage — but what is lawn spray and what can it do for you? The answer is somewhat complicated, but in today’s post we are going to go over some… The post Guardian of the Green: What Lawn Spray Can Do for You appeared first on Personal Lawn Care, Inc..
Lawn fertilizer services in Memphis, with text
By madwire August 17, 2020
Everyone has that one house in their neighborhood that always boasts an idyllic, lush green lawn. You know, that yard that makes everyone else’s look bad? You may not be comfortable asking your neighbor what their secret is, but we can assure you that proper fertilization is a big part of it. In today’s post,… The post Frequently Asked Questions About Lawn Fertilizer appeared first on Personal Lawn Care, Inc..
Show More