Fall Lawn Care Tips: How to Prep Your Grass in Guelph for a Greener Spring

Fall is hands-down the best season to prep your grass for success. While most people think of spring as “yard work season,” late September through early October is actually the prime time to seed your lawn in Guelph and Southwestern Ontario.

Why? The soil is still warm enough to encourage germination, and the cooler nights plus autumn rains create perfect growing conditions. Think of it as nature’s sweet spot.

Our Top Tips to Prep Your Grass for a Greener Spring

Step 1: Prep the Ground

A little prep goes a long way to help those new seeds thrive. Here’s what to do before spreading seed:

• Mow low (around 2") – Cut shorter than usual to open up space for seeds to hit the soil. Don’t scalp it, but get it on the shorter side.

• Rake / dethatch – Loosen up the soil and clear away leaves, clumps, or debris so your seeds make direct contact.

• Topdress (optional but worth it) – A thin layer of compost or triple-mix adds nutrients and gives seeds a cozy place to settle.

  
  

Step 2: Choose the Right Seed

There’s no one “perfect” grass seed. It really depends on your yard:

• Lots of shade? Pick a shade-tolerant mix.

• Full sun and drier soil? Go with a drought-tolerant blend.

• Damp areas? Look for seed that can handle more moisture.

The key is matching the mix to your conditions so it actually grows where you need it.

Step 3: Watch Out for Common Obstacles

The two biggest barriers to a healthy lawn? Low soil and compacted soil.

• If your soil is low or patchy → add more before seeding.

• If it’s compacted → aerate to give roots room to breathe and grow.

  
  

Step 4: Work with the Weather

Once you’ve prepped, timing matters. Aim to overseed and fertilize on days when rain is in the forecast. It saves you watering and gives your lawn the best start possible.

Final Thoughts

Fall seeding is one of the simplest, most effective things you can do to have a thicker, greener lawn come spring. With a bit of prep and the right seed, you’ll thank yourself when your yard bounces back beautifully after winter.

And if you’re a homeowner getting ready to sell down the road? A healthy lawn makes a big first impression — it’s the curb appeal buyers notice before they even step inside.