Fall is arguably the most important season for lawn care in Indiana. The work you do in September and October directly impacts how your lawn recovers in spring.
Aeration Late September through mid-October is the ideal window for core aeration in southern Indiana. Our heavy clay soils compact easily, which restricts root growth and water absorption. Aeration pulls small plugs of soil out, allowing air, water, and nutrients to reach the root zone.
Overseeding Immediately after aeration is the best time to overseed. Tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass blends perform well in Scott County's climate. The cool fall temperatures and natural rainfall give new seed the ideal conditions to establish before winter dormancy.
Winterizer Fertilizer Apply a winterizer fertilizer (high potassium formula) in late October to early November. This strengthens root systems and helps your lawn store energy for the winter months. Don't skip this step — it's the single biggest factor in spring green-up speed.
Leaf Removal Letting leaves sit on your lawn through winter suffocates the grass, promotes fungal disease, and creates an environment for pests. Regular leaf removal through November keeps your lawn healthy going into dormancy.
Final Mow Gradually lower your mowing height on the last two or three mows of the season. Your final cut should be around 2.5 inches — shorter than summer height but not scalped. This reduces the risk of snow mold.
Gutter and Bed Cleanup Clear gutters of fall debris and do a final pass on flower beds — trim back perennials, remove annuals, and apply a fresh layer of mulch to protect root systems through winter.
Need help getting your lawn ready for winter? Kirk's Mowing & Landscape offers complete fall cleanup and winterization services in Scottsburg, Austin, and all of Scott County. Call (812) 820-2701 for a free estimate.
