The Fall Landscaping Tasks That Set Up a Better Spring

Fall is when DC Metro landscapes are prepared for winter and set up for the following spring. Several of the most impactful landscaping interventions happen in fall.

Aerate and Overseed in Fall, Not Spring

For cool-season grasses dominant in DC Metro, fall is actually the best time to aerate and overseed. Soil temperatures are still warm enough for germination, and competition from weeds is lower.

Fertilize with a Winterizer

A fall fertilizer application builds root reserves that help the lawn survive winter and green up faster in spring. This application is often more impactful than spring fertilizing.

Mulch Beds Before Hard Frost

A fresh layer of mulch in fall insulates plant roots from extreme temperature swings and helps retain soil moisture through the dormant season.

Don't Leave Leaves on the Lawn

Thick leaf cover blocks light and air from the turf and can suffocate grass over winter. Mulch light leaf cover with the mower or remove heavy accumulations.

Call Ortega Landscaping at (571) 217-2935 for fall lawn care across DC Metro.