When the air turns crisp and football season kicks off, most people in Columbus, GA, and Phenix City, AL turn their attention to cozy sweaters, tailgates, and pumpkin spice… everything. But while you’re gearing up for fall and winter, your lawn is quietly preparing for its own seasonal shift.

The truth is, what you do (or don’t do) in the fall has a huge impact on how your lawn looks when spring rolls back around.

Skip a few key steps, and you could be staring at patchy, thin grass when the weather warms up again. At Mitchum Lawn, we see it every year — well-meaning homeowners who accidentally sabotage their own yards because of a few common mistakes.

Let’s break down the biggest seasonal lawn care blunders — and how you can avoid them.

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Mistake #1:Mowing Too Short Before Winter

It’s tempting to give your lawn a “final cut” before you stash the mower for the season. Many homeowners scalp their grass down low, thinking it will save time later. Big mistake.

When grass is cut too short before cooler weather, it loses valuable nutrients stored in its blades. Plus, short grass exposes the soil to temperature swings, which stresses the roots. Instead, aim for a healthy middle ground, usually about 2.5 to 3 inches. This height protects the roots and helps the lawn hold onto moisture and energy through the dormant season.

Mistake #2: Ignoring Leaves and Debris

Raking isn’t anyone’s favorite fall activity. But leaving a thick blanket of leaves on your grass all winter is a recipe for disaster.

When leaves pile up, they block sunlight and trap moisture, which encourages mold, pests, and disease. Think of it like putting a wet towel on your grass for months at a time — nothing good comes from it.

Pro tip: Instead of raking every last leaf, consider mulching them. Finely chopped leaves act as a natural fertilizer, returning nutrients to the soil without suffocating your lawn.

Mistake #3: Skipping Fall Pre-Emergents

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make in the fall is skipping pre-emergent weed control. While it may seem like weeds are only a spring and summer problem, fall is actually the time when many of the most stubborn weeds — like poa annua and henbit — begin to germinate. If you don’t stop them now, they’ll overwinter in your lawn and show up strong in the spring, stealing nutrients and choking out your grass.

Applying a fall pre-emergent creates a barrier that prevents these weeds from taking root. This step is key to giving your lawn a head start on a healthier, greener growing season.

Mistake #4: Watering Wrong

Cooler weather doesn’t mean your lawn suddenly stops needing water. But many homeowners either overdo it or cut watering off completely.

Here’s the balance: your lawn will likely need less frequent watering in fall and winter, but it shouldn’t be bone dry. An inch of water every week or two is usually enough, depending on rainfall. Too much water can lead to root rot, while too little leaves your grass weak and vulnerable.

If you’re not sure whether your lawn needs a drink, try the “footprint test.” Walk across your yard, if your footprints linger, the grass is thirsty.

Mistake #5: Forgetting Aeration

Fall is one of the best times to aerate your lawn, but it’s a step many people skip. Over time, soil becomes compacted, making it harder for air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots.

Aeration loosens up the soil, giving your lawn room to breathe and absorb what it needs before winter. Pair aeration with overseeding, and you’ll fill in thin spots while strengthening your yard for spring.

Mistake #6: Assuming Winter = “No Maintenance”

This one might be the most common of all. Once the grass slows down and the mower goes back into the garage, it’s easy to assume lawn care season is over. But lawns in Georgia and Alabama don’t hibernate the same way they do up north.

Cooler months are actually when your lawn builds the foundation for next year’s growth. A little seasonal care, clearing debris, fertilizing, aerating, and watering correctly, goes a long way in making sure your grass comes back strong and green.

Preparing Your Lawn the Smart Way

Avoiding these common mistakes is the key to a lawn that not only survives winter but thrives in spring. And the good news? You don’t have to tackle it alone.

At Mitchum Lawn Care, we specialize in seasonal lawn maintenance across Columbus, GA, Phenix City, AL, and the surrounding areas. Our team knows exactly what local lawns need to transition smoothly into colder weather and bounce back beautifully in the spring.

Ready to Prep Your Lawn for Fall and Winter?

Don’t let small mistakes turn into big problems next year. Contact Mitchum Lawn today to schedule your seasonal lawn care service. We’ll handle the hard work, you just enjoy your weekends and look forward to greener days ahead.