Lawn Maintenance Checklist for Charleston Homeowners (Fall Edition)

Fall in Charleston is more than football and pumpkin spice (as delicious as it is) - it’s the most important season to prepare your lawn for the months ahead.

At Heroes Lawn Care of Charleston, we help homeowners navigate fall lawn prep that keeps grass healthy, strong, and ready for spring growth.

Here’s your ultimate Charleston fall lawn care checklist.

✅ 1. Keep Mowing (But Lower the Height Slightly)

Don’t stop mowing too early. As growth slows:

• Gradually reduce mowing height (but never scalp)
• Keep blades sharp to avoid tearing
• Aim for a final cut in mid to late November

✅ 2. Apply Fall Fertilizer (But Time It Right)

For warm-season grasses:

• Apply your final fertilizer dose in early fall (Sept–mid Oct)
• Use a balanced or potassium-rich formula for root support
• Avoid fertilizing after dormancy begins

✅ 3. Rake or Mulch Leaves Promptly

Fallen leaves block sunlight and trap moisture, encouraging fungus. You can:

• Rake and remove
• Or mulch finely with mower blades for natural composting

✅ 4. Aerate If You Didn’t in Spring

Fall is still a good time to aerate if:

• You skipped spring aeration
• You notice runoff or hard soil
• Your lawn gets heavy foot traffic

✅ 5. Control Weeds Before Winter

Apply a pre-emergent herbicide before soil temps drop. This helps prevent:

• Winter annual weeds like Poa annua and henbit
• Spring weed explosions when dormancy breaks

✅ 6. Water as Needed

While rainfall may increase, lawns still need about 1 inch of water per week. Don't turn off irrigation too early—especially during dry fall spells.

✅ 7. Clean Up Lawn Edges and Beds

Use this season to:

• Redefine garden borders
• Remove dead annuals
• Prune trees and shrubs lightly

Why Fall Prep Is Essential in Charleston

Fall tasks prepare your lawn for a strong spring comeback. Skipping these steps can lead to:

• Thin turf
• Weed outbreaks
• Patchy spring growth

Don’t Let Fall Pass You By

Our Charleston team offers seasonal lawn maintenance plans tailored to your grass type, soil conditions, and local weather. We handle it all—fertilizing, aerating, mowing, weed control, and more.

Want a healthy lawn through winter and into next spring? Call Heroes Lawn Care of Charleston today and let’s get to work.