Detroit winters are unforgiving, with freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall, and ice that can linger for months. While many homeowners assume lawn care ends once the leaves start falling, fall is actually one of the most critical seasons for yard maintenance. What you do now determines whether your lawn emerges in the spring thin, brown, and struggling or thick, green, and healthy. Fall lawn care provides grass with the nutrients, strength, and protection it needs to endure winter dormancy and bounce back quickly when the snow melts.
Mow at the Right Height
Adjusting your mowing practices in fall is one of the simplest yet most effective steps you can take. Grass left too long is prone to matting under snow, which creates the perfect environment for snow mold and other fungal diseases. On the other hand, cutting grass too short can weaken roots, leaving them more vulnerable to winter damage. The sweet spot for most Detroit lawns is 2 to 2.5 inches in height. This length keeps the grass upright through snow cover while maintaining enough root depth to stay healthy through the cold. A final mow before winter helps set the stage for strong spring growth.
Feed Your Lawn Before Winter
Fertilizing in the fall is one of the most important investments you can make in your lawn’s long-term health. As the weather cools, grass begins to slow its growth above the surface but continues to develop its root system underground. A fall fertilizer application gives grass the nutrients it needs to store energy, strengthen roots, and resist disease. When spring arrives, these reserves fuel faster, greener growth. For Michigan lawns, a slow-release fertilizer designed for cool-season grasses ensures consistent nourishment throughout the dormant season. Skipping this step can leave your lawn weak and pale when it wakes up in spring.
Control Weeds and Remove Leaves
Fall is also the perfect time to address weeds. Broadleaf weeds like dandelions and clover are actively absorbing nutrients in preparation for winter, making herbicide treatments far more effective now than in summer. Eliminating weeds before winter prevents them from stealing nutrients and ensures your lawn gets a head start in spring. At the same time, it’s important to keep leaves under control. While autumn leaves may look picturesque, letting them pile up on your lawn traps moisture, blocks sunlight, and suffocates the grass. Raking or mulching leaves regularly helps prevent mold and keeps your yard healthy.
Consider Aeration and Overseeding
Fall is the last chance to correct thin or patchy areas before winter sets in. Aeration relieves soil compaction, while overseeding fills bare spots with new growth. Overseeding in fall is particularly effective because the soil is still warm enough for quick germination, yet the cooler air reduces stress on seedlings. By pairing these two services, you give your lawn the best possible chance to grow thicker and stronger before going dormant.
Get Your Lawn Ready for Winter Now
A lawn that goes into winter strong will come out of winter strong. Skipping fall lawn care may not show immediate consequences, but come spring, your yard will take longer to recover and will be more susceptible to weeds and disease. Lakeside Pro provides comprehensive fall services — from mowing and fertilizing to aeration and overseeding — all designed to prepare your lawn for Detroit’s harsh winter months.
Protect your investment in your lawn. Call Lakeside Pro today at 586.445.2100 to schedule your fall lawn care service and set your yard up for success.