7 Simple Fall Lawn Care Mistakes You Might Be Making in 2025

As the leaves begin to fall and the days get shorter, your lawn still needs attention. Fall is one of the most important seasons for lawn care, but many homeowners make small mistakes that can cause big problems later. If you want a lush, green lawn next spring, now is the time to act.

Here are 7 common fall lawn care mistakes you might be making — and how to fix them.
 

1. Skipping Fall Fertilizer

Many people think that once summer ends, lawn feeding can stop. But fall is actually one of the best times to fertilize your lawn.
Your grass needs nutrients to grow strong roots before winter. Skipping this step can make your lawn weak and patchy in spring.

Tip: Use a slow-release fall fertilizer high in nitrogen. Apply it in mid to late autumn for stronger, greener growth when the weather warms up.
 

2. Ignoring Fallen Leaves

Leaving piles of leaves on your lawn might seem harmless, but they block sunlight and trap moisture. This can cause fungus, disease, and dead spots.

Tip: Rake or mulch your leaves weekly. Mulching them with a mower actually feeds your lawn naturally — a win-win for you and your grass.
 

3. Cutting Grass Too Short

It’s tempting to mow your lawn shorter to avoid frequent mowing. But in fall, cutting the grass too short can stress your lawn and make it easier for weeds to spread.

Tip: Keep your mower height around 6–7 cm. Taller grass keeps roots protected during cold weather and helps your lawn stay healthy all winter.
 

4. Forgetting to Water

Cooler weather doesn’t mean your lawn stops needing water. Many homeowners turn off sprinklers too early, and their grass dries out before winter.

Tip: Water your lawn deeply once or twice a week until the ground starts to freeze. Healthy hydration now ensures stronger roots in spring.
 

5. Skipping Aeration

If your lawn gets heavy foot traffic during summer, the soil becomes compacted. This stops air, water, and nutrients from reaching the roots.

Tip: Aerate your lawn in early fall. It loosens the soil and helps fertilizer and water reach deeper layers — giving your grass room to breathe and grow.
 

6. Not Reseeding Bare Patches

Bald spots in your lawn don’t fix themselves. Fall is actually the best season to reseed because of the cooler temperature and moist soil.

Tip: Spread grass seed evenly over bare areas after aeration. Keep it moist until new grass starts growing. Choose a grass type suited for New Zealand’s climate for the best results.
 

7. Ignoring Winter Preparation

Some people stop all lawn care as soon as the temperature drops. That’s a mistake! Without preparation, your lawn can get damaged by frost, pests, and mold.

Tip: Apply a fall lawn treatment, clear debris, and keep mowing until the grass stops growing. This helps your lawn store energy and stay healthy through winter.
 

Why Fall Lawn Care Matters

Fall is not just about cleaning leaves — it’s about preparing your lawn for the next season. When you take care of your grass now, you prevent spring problems like weeds, brown patches, and uneven growth.
 

Think of it as investing in your lawn’s future — the more care you give it today, the less work you’ll need tomorrow.
 

How Lawn Masters Can Help

At Lawn Masters, we understand how important it is to maintain a healthy lawn all year round. Our team provides professional lawn care, mowing, aeration, and seasonal treatments across New Zealand.

Whether you need one-time help or a complete lawn care plan, we’ve got you covered. We use high-quality products and proven techniques to give your lawn the attention it deserves.

Let’s make your lawn ready for every season — green, thick, and beautiful.

Contact Lawn Masters today for expert lawn care in New Zealand.
Visit www.lawnmasters.co.nz to book your service.


FAQs

1. What is the most common mistake seen when treating lawns?
5 Common Lawn Care Mistakes to Avoid

Taking care of your lawn looks easy. ...

Underfeeding your lawn. ...

Watering the wrong way. ...

Mowing too short. ...

Letting a few weeds get out of hand. ...

Having unrealistic expectations for a new lawn.
 

2. What is the best fall lawn treatment?
Early fall (September): Gradually reduce mowing height, continue regular watering, and apply preemergent weed control if needed. Mid fall (October): Aerate and overseed the lawn, apply fall fertilizer, and continue leaf removal as needed.
 

3. How to care for your own lawn?
Beginner's Guide to Lawn Care

1 Test your soil.

2 Understand your grass.

3 Water your lawn.

4 Mow at the right height.

5 Fertilize your lawn.

6 Control weeds.

7 Rake leaves.

8 Dethatch your lawn
 

4. When to treat lawns?
Always apply fertilizer straight after cutting the grass. This means it's got maximum time to settle into the lawn before the next cut. It is beneficial when using iron or liquid products to leave the box off for the first cut after application if your mower instructions allow.
 

5. Why hire a professional lawn care service?
Professionals like Lawn Masters know exactly what your lawn needs in every season — saving you time, effort, and guesswork.
 

Conclusion

Fall lawn care doesn’t have to be complicated. Avoiding these seven simple mistakes can make all the difference between a dull, patchy lawn and a lush, healthy one in spring.

Spend a little time now — and you’ll thank yourself when you see that perfect green lawn come to life next season.