When Should You Start Thinking About Fall Lawn Care?

Spoiler: Now’s the time.

While the heat of summer still lingers in Central Virginia, late July is actually the perfect time to start thinking about fall lawn care. It might seem early, but planning now ensures your lawn is ready for cooler temps—and gives you the best shot at a thick, green, healthy yard by next spring.

Here’s why fall is so important, and what steps you can take now to set your lawn up for success.

Aeration & Overseeding: Your Fall Lawn Plan Starts Now

Why Fall is Prime Time for Fescue Lawns

If your lawn is a cool-season grass like tall fescue (which is common in Glen Allen and nearby areas), fall is when it wants to grow. The temperatures are cooler, the soil is still warm, and rainfall is usually more reliable—all perfect conditions for root development.

After enduring heat, drought, foot traffic, and maybe even lawn disease, your grass is ready to recover. Fall is the time to give it a boost.

What Should You Be Planning for Now?

1. Core Aeration
Summer compaction makes it hard for water, nutrients, and oxygen to reach the roots. Aeration relieves that pressure by pulling up plugs of soil and creating breathing room for your turf. This also helps new seed settle in.

2. Overseeding
Fescue doesn’t spread like warm-season grasses—it needs to be reseeded to stay thick. Overseeding in fall fills in bare spots and improves overall density. You’ll notice greener growth come spring if you seed at the right time.

3. Fertilizing at the Right Time
Fall is ideal for feeding your lawn, but timing matters. Avoid feeding during summer stress and hold off until early September, when the weather begins to cool. Use a slow-release fertilizer designed for fall recovery.

4. Booking Services Early
Lawn care schedules fill up fast once September hits. Planning now means you’ll have time to evaluate your lawn’s needs and book aeration and overseeding before peak season.

Pro Tip: Track Lawn Stress Now

If you’ve noticed thin patches, areas that don’t bounce back after watering, or general decline, jot those areas down. This helps you prioritize seeding or soil care in the fall—and keeps your lawn maintenance plan intentional instead of reactive.

Timing Your Fall Plan

In Glen Allen, aeration and overseeding typically begin in early to mid-September, while fertilization can continue into October. Planning now gives you time to evaluate your yard’s needs, communicate with your lawn care provider, and ensure materials and services are lined up at the optimal time.

Don’t wait for brown grass to tell you it’s time.
Think ahead now, and your fall lawn care will pay off with a thicker, healthier lawn that’s ready to face winter—and bounce back strong next spring.