As the days grow shorter and temperatures begin to drop, your lawn is entering its most crucial transition of the year. Properly preparing your yard before winter not only helps it survive the cold months but ensures it comes back greener, thicker, and healthier in the spring. At MissionGreen Services, we believe fall lawn care is an investment that pays off all year long — especially here in Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, where winter can be tough on turf.

Here’s how to make sure your lawn is ready for its winter rest:

1. Mow Properly Before the First Frost

Keeping your lawn trimmed to the correct height is one of the simplest yet most effective steps you can take.

• Gradually lower your mowing height as the season winds down, but don’t scalp the grass.
• Aim to keep your final cut around 2.5–3 inches tall.
• Cutting too short can stress the grass and invite winter diseases, while leaving it too long may cause matting or snow mold.

2. Remove Leaves and Debris

Fallen leaves may look picturesque, but they can suffocate your lawn if left all winter.

• Rake or mulch leaves regularly to allow sunlight and air to reach the grass.
• Remove sticks, branches, and other debris to prevent mold and bare patches in spring.
• Consider mulching leaves with your mower to recycle valuable organic nutrients back into the soil.

3. Fertilize for the Winter Ahead

Late fall is the ideal time to give your lawn the nutrition it needs for the cold months.

• Apply a winterizing fertilizer high in potassium to strengthen roots and improve disease resistance.
• This late-season feeding helps your lawn store energy and promotes an early green-up next spring.
• MissionGreen’s custom-blended fertilizers are designed to give your turf exactly what it needs for New England winters.

4. Control Weeds While You Can

Fall isn’t just about feeding your lawn — it’s also the best time to control broadleaf weeds like dandelions and clover.

• Weeds are actively storing nutrients in their roots, which makes herbicides most effective now.
• Tackling weeds in the fall means fewer invaders popping up next spring.
• MissionGreen’s professional treatments ensure your lawn gets targeted, seasonally timed weed control for long-term results.

5. Consider Dormant Seeding

If your lawn has bare or thin spots, dormant seeding is a smart way to jumpstart spring growth.

• Seed late in the fall when soil temperatures are cool but not yet frozen.
• The seed will remain dormant through winter and begin germinating as soon as soil warms in spring.
• This helps thicken your lawn early and outcompete spring weeds naturally.

6. Prepare Your Lawn Mower for Winter Storage

Your mower deserves a little care too before being tucked away for the season.

• Clean off all grass clippings and debris.
• Drain or stabilize the fuel tank to prevent engine issues.
• Change the oil, replace or clean the air filter, and sharpen the mower blade.
• Store it in a dry place, ready for action when spring returns.

Final Thoughts

Taking time in the fall to prepare your lawn for winter makes all the difference come spring. From proper mowing and cleanup to fertilization and dormant seeding, each step builds a stronger, more resilient lawn.

If you’d rather leave the heavy lifting to the pros, MissionGreen Services is here to help. Our seasonal lawn care programs are designed to keep your turf healthy all year — so you can enjoy a lush, green lawn without the stress.

Contact MissionGreen Services today to schedule your fall treatment or learn more about our year-round lawn care solutions. We proudly serve Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts!