October Lawn Care Checklist for Tennessee Homeowners (Sumner & Robertson County)
October in Tennessee is a pivotal month for your lawn. As temperatures drop and daylight shortens, your grass prepares for dormancy. By giving your yard the right attention now, you set the stage for a healthier, greener spring.
Here’s your October lawn care checklist—tailored for Sumner and Robertson County’s climate zones and the services Eagle Landscape offers.
1. Final Mowing & Gradual Height Reduction
Continue mowing on a regular schedule, but gradually reduce mowing height (while not scalping).
Aim to leave grass a bit taller in early October to buffer against early cold snaps.
Clean mower blades and sharpen them before your final few cuts.
2. Aerate & Overseed (If Needed)
If your lawn has thin patches, aerate to relieve compaction—especially in high-traffic zones.
Follow with overseeding of cool-season grasses (like fescue blends) that do well in Tennessee.
Water lightly but consistently until new grass establishes.
3. Fertilizer Application (Late Fall Blend)
Apply a slow-release, winterizing fertilizer in mid-to-late October.
Use a blend higher in potassium (to boost root strength) and lower in nitrogen.
Be careful not to over-fertilize—your local soil test results (if available) are useful here.
4. Leaf Management & Debris Cleanup
Begin regular leaf removal—leaf buildup can smother grass and encourage disease.
Use a blower or rake, and mulch smaller leaves if your mower supports it.
Also remove any fallen branches, old annuals, and garden debris.
5. Weed Control & Pre-Emergent Treatment
Spot-treat broadleaf weeds (like dandelions) before they go to seed.
In some cases, a fall pre-emergent for winter weeds may be recommended—check with your local extension or Eagle Landscape team for what’s safe on your lawn type.
6. Irrigation System Winter Prep
Begin lowering irrigation frequency as rainfall increases and nights cool.
Drain and winterize irrigation lines in late October or early November to prevent freeze damage.
Inspect for leaks or low-pressure zones before shutdown.
7. Pest & Disease Monitoring
Watch for signs of fungal diseases when leaves are wet and temperatures moderate.
Treat early if you see brown patches or “circular” spots.
Also monitor for insect pests lingering into fall (grubs, armyworms, etc.).
8. Plan Your Fall & Winter Landscaping Projects
October is a good time to plan hardscape work (paths, retaining walls) before frost.
Think about bulb planting (tulips, daffodils) now so they bloom next spring.
Consider fall color plantings (mums, pansies) while soil is workable.
Conclusion
By following this October lawn care checklist, you’ll help your lawn glide into its winter rest phase strong and healthy. For property owners in Sumner & Robertson County, Eagle Landscape’s seasonal cleanup, maintenance, and lawn services are designed for your region’s needs.
If you’d like us to help with aeration, overseeding, irrigation winterization, or seasonal cleanup, request a free estimate or contact our team today.
