End-of-Season Lawn Service Tips for Fort Collins Homeowners
As the Colorado air cools and the days get shorter, lawns across Fort Collins start slowing down. The growth you’ve managed all summer begins to fade, and that’s your cue to give your yard one final round of care before winter settles in. Whether you handle your own lawn service or rely on professionals like Siesta Lawn Care, a proper end-of-season routine makes all the difference for how your grass bounces back next spring.
1. Keep Mowing Until the First Hard Frost
It’s tempting to stash the mower once September hits, but your lawn still needs attention through the end of October or even early November. Continue your weekly mowing schedule, just lower the mower blade slightly each week. By the time frost arrives, grass should sit around two inches tall. That height helps prevent matting under snow while protecting roots from freezing temperatures.
Skipping these final mows can leave the grass too long, which traps moisture and leads to mold. It’s a simple step that saves you from a soggy, uneven lawn next year.
2. Rake and Remove Debris
Those falling leaves look beautiful across Fort Collins neighborhoods, but they can choke a lawn fast. A thick layer of leaves blocks sunlight and traps moisture. Instead of letting them pile up, rake them regularly or mulch them into fine pieces using your mower. If you’ve got bushes and ornamental plants, clean up around them too. Removing dead leaves and trimmings reduces the chance of pests overwintering in your yard.
3. Trim Bushes and Shrubs Before Winter
End-of-season bush trimming helps shape your plants and keeps them healthy through the dormant months. Late fall pruning removes dead branches and stops overgrowth that could break under snow. In Fort Collins’ variable winters, where one week can bring sunshine and the next a snowstorm, a good trim also helps your landscape look neat all season long.
Just don’t trim too early. Wait until plants have stopped active growth, usually after the first frost, so new shoots don’t emerge before winter.
4. Aerate to Let Roots Breathe
Fall is the best time to aerate your lawn. Summer foot traffic and heat compact the soil, making it tough for grass roots to access air and water. Aeration loosens that soil and opens channels for nutrients to reach deeper layers. After aerating, overseed any thin spots so grass can thicken up before winter.
If you don’t have the equipment, many lawn care companies in Fort Collins, including Siesta Lawn Care, offer fall aeration as part of their seasonal services. It’s worth doing since your lawn will thank you come spring.
5. Feed Your Lawn One Last Time
Grass roots keep growing even when the top turns brown. A late-season fertilizer application gives them the nutrients they need to survive the cold months ahead. Look for a fertilizer labeled “winterizer” with a higher potassium content to strengthen roots.
The best time to fertilize in Fort Collins is usually mid to late October. Apply evenly, water lightly afterward, and you’ll set your lawn up for a greener, faster start once temperatures rise again.
6. Check Irrigation and Drain the System
Before freezing temperatures hit, shut down your irrigation system. Draining or blowing out the lines prevents costly damage from frozen pipes. Many homeowners schedule this right after their last mow of the season.
While you’re at it, check for leaks, broken sprinkler heads, or uneven coverage areas. Fixing these now saves you headaches when you turn the water back on in spring.
7. Edge and Define Your Lawn Borders
This step’s often overlooked but makes a huge difference. Clean, sharp edges along sidewalks and driveways not only look tidy but also stop grass from creeping where it shouldn’t. Edging before winter helps maintain those lines longer since grass growth slows dramatically during cold months. It’s a small detail that keeps your landscape looking cared-for even when it’s dormant.
8. Mulch Around Trees and Garden Beds
Fort Collins winters can be tough on exposed roots. Adding a layer of mulch around trees, shrubs, and garden beds helps regulate soil temperature and moisture. Use natural mulch like shredded bark or compost, and keep it a few inches away from tree trunks to prevent rot.
It’s an easy, inexpensive way to protect your plants while enriching the soil over time.
9. Clean and Store Lawn Equipment Properly
Once your final mow is done, don’t just push the mower into the shed. Clean the deck, remove debris, and drain or stabilize fuel if your equipment will sit for months. Wipe down trimmers, sharpen blades, and check spark plugs. This quick maintenance extends the life of your tools and makes next year’s startup hassle-free.
10. Plan Ahead for Next Season
Fall is the best time to assess what worked and what didn’t in your yard this year. Were there patchy spots that never filled in? Bushes that grew too fast? Drainage issues after heavy rain? Make notes now so you can adjust your approach next spring.
If you work with a lawn service company, share these details with them. They can tailor their early-season plan to your yard’s specific needs.
Why End-of-Season Care Matters in Fort Collins
Fort Collins’ elevation and semi-arid climate make lawn care a little trickier than in other parts of Colorado. Winters can swing between dry and snowy, which stresses grass if it isn’t properly prepared. Taking these extra steps in fall gives your lawn the strength to handle temperature swings and moisture changes.
Homeowners who stay consistent with lawn service and seasonal upkeep often notice a thicker, more resilient yard with fewer weeds and bare spots come spring. Caring for your lawn at the end of the season isn’t just about looks. It’s about protecting the investment you’ve made all year. With steady weekly mowing, careful bush trimming, and a bit of seasonal prep, your lawn will roll into winter strong and ready to thrive again in the spring.
If you’re not sure where to start, Siesta Lawn Care in Fort Collins can handle the full range of fall and winter prep services. From aeration to trimming, they make sure your yard gets the right treatment at the right time so you can rest easy knowing your grass is in good hands.
