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The September To-Do List: Lawn Care, Cleanup & Fertilizing

September is the month when your yard and garden start shifting gears from summer’s growth to fall preparation. The cooler nights, warm soil, and shorter days create the perfect conditions to strengthen your lawn, plant bulbs, and get your landscape ready for the colder months ahead. Here’s your checklist to keep things on track:

✅ Lawn Care

  • Reseed bare spots – Fall is the best time to seed. Use Jonathan Green grass seed to establish thick, healthy turf that will crowd out weeds next spring.

  • Fertilize for root growth – Apply Jonathan Green fall fertilizers to build strong roots before winter dormancy. A fall feeding sets your lawn up for lush green growth next year.

  • Keep mowing – Don’t put the mower away yet! Continue mowing at the right height (about 2.5–3 inches) until the grass stops growing.

✅ Garden Cleanup

  • Remove tired annuals – Clear out spent flowers and vegetables to prevent disease and make space for fall planting.

  • Cut back perennials – Trim back dead foliage and divide crowded plants to rejuvenate your beds.

  • Rake leaves regularly – Leaving piles can smother your lawn. Compost what you collect to recycle nutrients.

✅ Fertilizing & Planting

  • Plant spring-flowering bulbs – Daffodils, tulips, and crocuses planted now will reward you with cheerful color next spring. Use Espoma Bulb-tone to give them the nutrients they need to bloom beautifully.

  • Feed acid-loving plants – Rhododendrons, azaleas, and hollies will benefit from a fall feeding with Espoma Holly-tone, helping them stay strong through the winter.

  • Mulch garden beds – A fresh layer of mulch protects plant roots, conserves moisture, and keeps weeds at bay.

✅ Bonus Tip

September is also a great time to check out pollinator plants, trees, and shrubs that add late-season beauty and support local wildlife.

Stop by Lakeview Nurseries for everything you need—Jonathan Green lawn care products, Espoma fertilizers, Proven Winners plants, and American Beauties Native Plants—to check off your September to-do list.

– From Michelle and the Plant Geeks at Lakeview Nurseries.

Michelle Harvey