Touchdown Turf

How to Get Your Yard Ready for Football Season

Fall in the South means three things: cooler nights, pumpkin-flavored everything, and most importantly…

FOOTBALL SEASON

Whether you’re a die-hard college football fanatic or just in it for the snacks, one thing’s for sure: your backyard is about to become prime real estate for game-day gatherings, tailgate-style parties, and good ol’ Southern hospitality.

If you’re in Columbus, GA, or Phenix City, AL, football season is perfect for outdoor hosting. But before you roll out the smoker and invite the neighbors, let’s make sure your lawn is as ready as your team’s offensive line.

Here’s your ultimate game plan for turning your backyard into the MVP of football season fun—with a little help from Mitchum Lawn Care.

Why a Great Lawn Matters on Game Day

First impressions matter. Whether you’re throwing a big neighborhood bash or keeping it low-key with a few friends, your lawn sets the tone. A green, clean, and well-maintained yard says:

      • “I’ve got my life together.”
      • “I take pride in my home.”
      • “Also, yes—there will be wings.”

A great lawn isn’t just about looks, either. It provides a comfortable, inviting space for guests to relax, play yard games, or cheer on their team under the stars.

Let’s break it down.

1. Tackle Turf Trouble Early

Nothing ruins a game-day vibe like patchy grass or crunchy, brown spots. In Columbus and Phenix City, late summer to early fall is prime time for lawn repair.

Dormant lawn that has frost


Pro Tips:

      • Aerate your lawn to help it breathe and absorb nutrients before cooler temps roll in.
      • Apply a fall fertilizer to encourage strong root growth and greener grass.

Don’t want to get your hands dirty? That’s what we’re here for. Mitchum Lawn Care handles core aeration and seasonal treatments so you can focus on perfecting your playlist.

2. Mow Like a Pro

Mowing a lawn

Don’t show up to your own tailgate with a shaggy field. A fresh cut not only looks good—it also helps keep pests and weeds at bay.

Game-Ready Mowing Tips:

      • Keep the grass at a height of 2.5–3 inches for optimal growth.
      • Avoid cutting more than 1/3 of the grass blade at a time.
      • Mow a day or two before your event so clippings settle and your yard looks polished.

Pro move: Call in Mitchum Lawn Care to handle routine mowing so you’re never caught off guard by an impromptu game-day hang.

3. Clear the Field

A cluttered yard is a tripping hazard—and no one wants to spill their plate of nachos because of a rogue garden hose or fallen branch.

Pre-Party Yard Checklist:

      • Remove toys, tools, and debris.
      • Sweep away leaves and acorns.
      • Check for fire ant mounds (because nobody wants that surprise).

4. End Zone Seating & Setups

Let’s talk logistics. You’ll need seating, shade, and space to mingle. Think of your lawn like a stadium: where are people going to sit, stand, eat, and cheer?

Winning Setups:

      • Use outdoor rugs and cushions to make it cozy.
      • Set up a pop-up tent or patio umbrella for shade.
      • Consider DIY stadium seating with hay bales or picnic benches.

Got a deck or patio? Make it the “VIP box” with extra string lights and a buffet table.

Bonus points: spray your lawn for mosquitoes and pests a few days in advance.

5. Game-Day Greenery

Don’t stop with your lawn—add a few fun touches that show you’ve got your hosting game

on point.

Easy Outdoor Décor Ideas:

      • Team-colored flower pots or planters
      • Trim your hedges so that even UGA would be jealous
      • A custom chalkboard menu (Burgers, Dogs, Dip—Oh My!)
      • Mini goal posts made from PVC pipe
      • Yard signs, flags, or even a blow-up mascot

Want to wow your guests? Line your lawn with solar-powered football-themed lights to keep the party going into overtime

6. Make Room for Games

You’ve got the TV, the food, the fans, now it’s time for some actual football fun.

Fan-Favorite Lawn Games:

      • Cornhole (paint boards in your team colors)
      • Ladder toss
      • Football target practice
      • Giant Jenga or Connect 4

Make sure your yard is even and well-mowed so no one twists an ankle during a heated cornhole match. We’ll keep your turf smooth and game-ready.

7. Handle Trash Like a Champ

You don’t want your pristine lawn littered with empty solo cups and crumpled paper plates. Plan ahead.

Trash Talk Strategy:

      • Set up clearly labeled trash and recycling bins
      • Use covered bins to keep critters out
      • Keep extra paper towels and sanitizing wipes on a table nearby

This small detail makes a big difference in keeping your yard party-ready the next day. You’ll thank yourself when it’s time for round two next weekend.

8. Think Ahead: Fall Lawn Care

Leaf BlowingOnce the last whistle blows, your lawn still needs love. The transition to cooler weather is when your grass does most of its root-building work—essential for a lush spring yard.

Fall Maintenance Musts:

      • Continue mowing until growth slows
      • Rake and remove fallen leaves regularly
      • Apply a pre-emergent weed treatment
      • Book a fall lawn check-up with Mitchum Lawn Care

We’ll help you finish strong with seasonal services that keep your yard healthy long after football season ends

MItchum Lawn trucks

Why Mitchum Lawn Care Is Your Game Day Partner

We get it—you want your yard to look great, but you don’t want to spend your Saturday morning sweating over it.

That’s where Mitchum Lawn Care comes in.

We offer:

      • Reliable weekly mowing
      • Seasonal lawn treatments
      • Lawn repair and aeration
      • Weed control
      • Light yard cleanup

We serve Columbus, GA and Phenix City, AL with professional care and small-town customer service. Our goal? To help you enjoy your yard, not stress about it.

Football season only comes once a year—but your yard is with you all year long. Whether you’re the tailgate king, the snack table MVP, or the person yelling at the ref from a patio chair, your lawn deserves to be part of the celebration.

Let Mitchum Lawn Care help you get game-day ready.

📍 Serving Columbus, GA & Phenix City, AL
📞 Call us today to schedule your fall lawn prep
🌐 Visit mitchumlawn.net to request a free estimate

Because a great game starts with a great yard.