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Fall Lawn Care Checklist: Must-Have Tools and Proven Tips

Man blowing leaves

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The Complete Guide to Fall Lawn Care: Tools, Tips, and Techniques

As the weather cools off and the leaves begin to fall from the trees, the changing of the season also calls for a change in lawn care needs. Prepping the lawn and garden for the colder months goes beyond how the lawn looks but it also includes the tools needed to keep everything in order. This can be one of the most critical periods for lawn and plant maintenance because if done right, it’ll come back greener and more lush than ever. To achieve this goal, though, professionals will need the right tools to get them from start to finish. With the right tools and techniques, fall lawn care is manageable.

Mowers, trimmers, blowers, rakes, and even chainsaws can be used to tackle each stage of fall lawn care prep. This fall lawn care guide will cover the steps to healthy spring landscaping in detail and offer tool recommendations that make each job easier to complete.

Mowing for Winter: Prepping Your Lawn for the Cold Season

It may seem counterproductive to mow the lawn one more time before the cold weather truly hits, but it’s important not to skip the last mowing session. Cutting the grass short before the cold winter weather hits minimizes the chance of overgrown grass blades matting from snow or slush, which can create a moist environment for fungi or pests.

But what about the No-Mow Trend?

No Mow May Sign
Image courtesy of Bee City USA

The no-mow trend started in spring with the slogan “No Mow May.” This catchy name was used to gain support for a movement for our pollinators. According to  NASA, our lawns cover roughly 2% of land in the USA, which means that they're the largest crop we grow and water. Although it seems like a great idea to create a habitat just for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, experts didn’t seem to be on the same page.

Tamson Yeh, who is a turf specialist with the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County in New York, was interviewed with AP NEWS about this no-mow trend and expressed that “It’s such a nice slogan, but letting the grass grow high and allowing it to do its thing, and then suddenly mowing it back is really counterproductive.” 

So, if you’re still wondering if the lawn should be mowed during the fall season, we have the answer for you, and it’s yes. According to experts, you should aim to cut your grass around “2.5 inches before the first frost in winter” to keep it at a happy height where the frost won’t damage the roots, but the long grass won’t grow mold and disease.

Mowers to Consider

Electric lawnmowers are rising in the trade industry, along with every other power tool. Not having to use gas means that professionals no longer have to breathe in harmful fumes and experience gas headaches. It also means fewer trips to the gas station and less expensive overall, even physically.

Man mowing the lawn

For example, Milwaukee's electric lawn mower cuts out all the hassles that come with gas: no pull start, no engine maintenance, low noise, no emissions, and reduced vibration. Milwaukee 2823-22HD M18 FUEL Self-Propelled Dual Battery Lawn Mower is one of our expert picks and this mower combines the convenience of electric power with a battery that can handle longer yards and run times. It even works for small to medium lawns, and the Rear Wheel Self-Propelled w/ Active Speed Management feature saves professionals the strain that comes with uneven terrain. This mower also has Milwaukee’s REDLINK intelligence infused with it, which allows for total system communication between the tool and the battery.

man mows lawn with Makita lawn mower

Another mower we recommend is the  Makita XML08PT1 18V X2 (36V) LXT 21" Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Kit, which, similar to Milwaukee, has not gas involved and does not produce emissions. This mower does not include a pull-start system, easing the strain off of maintenance professionals. Makita designed it to have a 4-bay battery system so that it offers 2 times more run time. It features Extreme Protection Technology (XPT) for increased dust and water resistance on tough job sites and Star Protection Computer Controls to guard against overloading, over-discharging, and overheating.

No matter which lawnmower you choose, it’ll be a good choice for keeping up with fall lawn care maintenance.

Edging and Hedge Trimming: Shaping the Borders Up

Continuing edging and hedge trimming is another important step to maintaining a proper yard during the fall. Edging helps prevent stray grass patches from creeping into garden beds and covering pathways while also keeping the roots in check during the colder months. Hedging trimmers, different from edgers, remove the overgrowth that comes with the lawn care territory. Though it may seem like this step can be skipped, it’s not something to let sneak away from you in the long run, as it can quickly grow out of control.

Our Best Hedge Trimmers for the Job

When considering these types of trimmers, it’s best to choose lightweight, battery-powered options to reduce the stress on maintenance workers' arms and hearing. Starting at the top and trimming downward while angling slightly inward to give hedges a more tapered and natural look is one way to maintain safe and effective trimming, and although battery-powered options are easier on the body, it’s still important to wear gloves, safety glasses, and hearing protection to avoid flying debris.

Man using hedge trimmer

If you’re a Milwaukee fan and already own several QUIK-LOK attachments, then we’d recommend going with the  Milwaukee 49-16-2719 M18 FUEL QUIK-LOK Articulating Hedge Trimmer Attachment, as this attachment works for larger hedges and allows you to adjust the head for angled cuts. It’s part of Milwaukee’s QUIK-LOK system, so you can swap it out with other attachments as needed.

If you’re not interested in the Milwaukee QUIK-LOK system and just want a separate kit, we recommend the  DeWalt DCKO86M1 20V Pole Hedge & Pole Saw Combo Kit.  This versatile combo handles both low trimming and higher branches, perfect for yards with various styles of foliage.

Clearing Out Dead Limbs and Trees

Trees don’t just drop leaves when fall hits, they also drop dead branches. Pruning these limbs is another crucial way that professionals protect homes, businesses, and yards from falling debris and reduce tripping hazards for walkways.

Milwaukee Chainsaw sits on the ground in the snow

We recommend the  Milwaukee 2727-20 M18 FUEL 16" Chainsaw  for its safety features, and according to experts in Popular Mechanic Magazine, “Contractors who are fully on board with Milwaukee’s 18-volt platform will appreciate this stubbornly powerful tool that runs on the same batteries as its drills and other saws. It cuts viciously, and we pushed it as hard as we could. You get a saw that speeds through the log, cut after cut until its battery is done. And you also get a little more convenience than the other guys.” This chainsaw comes equipped with a POWERSTATE brushless motor that helps it maintain its advanced power even under heavy loads or stubborn branches without bogging down.

Leaf Cleanup: Rakes and Blowers

Raking. The chore everyone seems to hate doing can be easier with the right tools. If left to settle over the winter without getting raked up, these leaves can create a suffocating blanket over your grass and kill off all your hard work at keeping a lush green yard. Though it’s important to keep most leaves, stray sticks, and debris from the yard, it’s not crucial to grab every little leaf. A small sampling of leaves can be a natural fertilizer to enrich the soil as they break down over time.

Man blows leaves

To help with the leaf cleanup, we suggest using your blower first to get every scrap into the yard and off pathways and push it all into piles for easier rake access. We recommend the  Milwaukee 3017-20 M18 FUEL Blower . This leaf blower offers professionals the best-in-class power-to-size ratio and is lightweight and balanced enough to carry on-site without trouble. It delivers 500 CFM, 120 MPH, and 12.2 N for class-leading performance.

After using the leaf blower, use a rake like the  MarshallTown RED700109 24435 - 32" Plain Lute , which has a sturdy, lightweight body and a magnesium head . It makes quick work of large areas with heavy leaf fall, giving professionals better control over the area. Easily rake the debris into piles and either throw it away or save some for composting.

Aerating, Overseeding, and Fertilizing: Building an Adaptable Lawn for Spring

Aerating, overseeding, and fertilizing work together to give your lawn a solid foundation before winter. Compacted soil, especially in high-traffic areas, can choke roots by limiting access to water, oxygen, and other nutrients. Aerating opens up the soil, poking small holes to let air, water, and nutrients reach the roots, which are the perfect prep for overseeding and fertilizing.

Aeration and Overseeding Tips for Stronger Grass

To get the most out of aeration, choose a damp day, making it easier to pull plugs. Focus on compacted spots, like paths and play areas, and work in a grid pattern to ensure even coverage. Once aerated, it’s prime time to overseed, especially if you’ve got bare patches. Fall’s cooler weather and regular moisture help seedlings establish roots before winter, filling in gaps and creating a dense, healthier lawn.

Fertilizing for Deep, Resilient Roots

Adding a high-potassium fertilizer builds strong roots to support new growth and withstand cold temperatures. Apply the fertilizer three to four weeks before the first frost to give nutrients time to settle in. With aeration, overseeding, and a solid dose of nutrients, your lawn will have a strong start come spring, ready to grow thick and lush with minimal effort.

Grass Is Always Greener: Prep Now for a Vibrant Spring

With the right approach to fall lawn care, you’re setting up the yard for a strong comeback into spring. Each step (from mowing and edging to aerating and fertilizing) lays down a solid foundation for your lawn to withstand the winter and thrive in the new season. By investing in quality tools and taking time for these maintenance jobs, lawn care becomes less of a chore and more of a routine with a payoff that you can see. 

Whether it’s the power of an efficient Milwaukee blower, the precision of a well-chosen electric mower (with no harmful gasses or emissions), or the extra strength your lawn can gain from aeration and fertilization, fall lawn prep is an essential move for any lawn care pro looking to make the rejuvenation of spring easier. Get the hard part done now, and you’ll have a yard ready to take on the next season, greener and healthier than ever.

Fall Lawn Care Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the First Step in Fall Lawn Care?

The first thing to do is rake or remove any leaves covering the lawn. Leaves trap moisture, leading to disease and fungal growth. Mowing the lawn one last time before winter can also help keep things in order. Aim for a height of around 2.5-3 inches to avoid winter matting.

Is fall a good time for seeding?

Fall’s ideal for overseeding thin or patchy spots. The cooler weather keeps the seeds from drying out, and there’s less competition from weeds. For the best results, seed right after aerating so seeds get straight to the soil.

Can the Milwaukee 2825-21PS M18 FUEL Pole Saw with QUIK-LOK handle heavy-duty trimming?

Yes, this pole saw is designed for reliable trimming of medium-sized branches. Its QUIK-LOK compatibility makes it versatile, allowing it to share attachments with other Milwaukee tools. The battery power offers enough runtime for typical yard work without refueling, making it ideal for moderate fall cleanup.

What kind of fall lawn care schedule should you have?

Here’s a suggested timeline for fall lawn care:

  • Early Fall (September): Gradually lower your mowing height, keep up with regular watering, and apply pre-emergent weed control if necessary.

  • Mid-Fall (October): Overseed the lawn, apply a fall fertilizer, and keep up with leaf removal to maintain a clean, healthy lawn.

Each step helps the lawn prepare for winter, ensuring it's in good shape come spring.