When fall hits Fort Collins, the change isn’t just in the trees. Your lawn feels it too. Cooler temperatures, shorter days, and drier air all mean one thing: it’s time to switch up your lawn care game. If you’re not sure where to start, this checklist will guide you through all the essentials. It’s designed specifically for Fort Collins yards and covers the basics like lawn service, lawn aeration, bush trimming, and everything in between.
Keep Mowing, but Adjust the Height
People often assume the last mow of the year should be a close one. It shouldn’t. Cut your grass too short in fall and you risk exposing the roots to frost, drying out the soil, and weakening the entire turf. Instead, gradually lower your mower blade as the season progresses. For most Fort Collins lawns, 2.5 to 3 inches is the sweet spot.
It’s also a good idea to keep mowing until your grass stops growing. That usually means into late October, sometimes even November if we get a warm spell.
Rake Leaves Regularly
Yeah, it’s tempting to let those leaves just sit. They’re pretty. They feel seasonal. But they’re also suffocating your grass. A thick layer of leaves blocks sunlight and traps moisture, which can lead to fungus and dead spots.
Don’t just rake once and call it good. Fall in Fort Collins tends to stretch across several weeks, so plan on raking a few times. Or use a mulching mower to break up the leaves and feed your soil while keeping things tidy.
Book Lawn Aeration Before the Ground Freezes
Lawn aeration sounds technical, but it’s pretty simple. It’s all about poking holes in your lawn so water, oxygen, and nutrients can reach the roots. Fall is a prime time for this in Colorado because the ground is still soft enough to aerate but cool enough to start root development.
If your lawn gets a lot of foot traffic or has clay-heavy soil, aeration isn’t optional. It’s essential. Many Fort Collins homeowners schedule this along with other lawn service tasks, since fall is one of the last chances before winter dormancy sets in.
Fertilize One Last Time
Think of fall fertilizing as your lawn’s last big meal before hibernation. A slow-release fertilizer with nitrogen helps strengthen roots and build resilience for winter. This isn’t about getting lush green grass now. It’s about ensuring your lawn wakes up stronger in the spring.
The best time to fertilize in Fort Collins is usually late September to early October, just before the first frost.
Trim Bushes and Shrubs
Fall is a great time to clean up your landscaping, especially around hedges and bushes. Trimming back overgrowth helps plants go dormant in a more balanced state and keeps your yard from looking wild during the winter months.
Not sure how much to trim? Most evergreens and woody shrubs can handle a light shaping. Just avoid cutting too deep into old wood unless you’re doing a full rejuvenation prune.
Control Weeds Before They Settle In
Weeds don’t just disappear in the fall. In fact, many of them are laying low, waiting for spring to come back stronger. Applying a pre-emergent weed control now stops the next generation in its tracks.
Combine that with some spot treatments for visible weeds, and you’ll be way ahead of the game when April rolls around.
Overseed Patchy Areas
Colorado lawns take a beating during summer. Between the sun, the foot traffic, and occasional drought conditions, bare patches are almost unavoidable.
Fall is the perfect time to overseed, especially after aeration. The cooler temps help new grass germinate without stressing it. Just make sure you water lightly and regularly for the first few weeks to help those seeds take root.
Winterize Your Irrigation System
Here’s one you definitely don’t want to skip. Fort Collins gets cold—fast. If you forget to blow out your sprinkler system, you’re setting yourself up for frozen pipes and major repairs.
If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, schedule a professional service. It’s usually a quick visit, and way cheaper than fixing broken lines come spring.
Clean and Store Lawn Tools
Before you pack it in for the year, give your gear some love. Empty the gas from your mower. Clean your tools. Store everything in a dry place. Taking 30 minutes now can save you hours of frustration when it’s time to gear up again in the spring.
Plan Ahead for Spring Lawn Service
Finally, fall is a good time to start thinking about spring. It’s when many Fort Collins homeowners begin lining up their regular lawn service. If you want to get on a schedule for fertilization, mowing, bush trimming, or aeration next year, now’s the time to make that call.
Planning ahead doesn’t just secure your spot. It gives your lawn a consistent care schedule, which is one of the biggest predictors of long-term health.
Getting the Most Out of Fall Lawn Care
Caring for your lawn in the fall isn’t just about looking good now. It sets the stage for everything that comes after. A few extra steps—like lawn aeration, bush trimming, and smart fertilizing—go a long way toward making your yard healthier year-round.
If you’re in Fort Collins and want help handling the heavy lifting, Siesta Lawn Care is always here with professional lawn service tailored to your local conditions.
