October is a get-it-done month. Cooler temperatures make it ideal for lawn improvement, planting, and cleaning up the landscape before winter.
Lawn care (fescue and bermuda)
Tall fescue
- Keep mowing as long as it’s growing. Don’t drop the mower too low, and keep blades sharp.
- If you overseeded in September, stay consistent with watering until seedlings are established, then taper to deeper, less frequent cycles.
- Spot-treat weeds once new grass is mature enough, but avoid anything that will stress young turf.
Bermuda
- Bermuda begins slowing down. Keep mowing as needed until growth stops.
- Avoid late-season fertilizing unless you’re following a Bermuda-specific program.
Leaves, beds, and cleanup
- Keep leaves off lawns and out of beds. Heavy leaf cover can smother turf and create disease problems.
- Pull late-season weeds before they set seed.
Planting and landscape upgrades
- Fall is one of the best times to plant trees and shrubs. Roots establish well in cool weather.
- This is a great month for new beds, screening plantings, and landscape renovations.
- Offer targeted watering to new installations during dry weeks, as wind and cool weather can still cause soil desiccation.
Irrigation and drainage
- Reduce irrigation run times as temperatures drop.
- Watch for soggy areas after fall rains and address drainage now before winter saturation.
Hardscape and outdoor lighting
- Ideal weather for patios, walkways, edging, and repairs.
- With earlier dark, check for system failures and plan to augment lighting for walkways and entry areas.
