Your Fall Lawn Care Checklist for Vermont Homeowners

Although we're at the height of summer, cooler temperatures will roll in before we know it. Now is the best time to shift your focus to fall lawn care in Vermont. Prepping your yard before winter sets in ensures healthy, lush grass come spring—and helps you make the most of the equipment you already own.
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Use this checklist to tackle everything from fall yard maintenance to fertilizing, mowing, and more.

Why Fall Lawn Care in Vermont Matters

Fall is one of the most important—and most overlooked—seasons for lawn care, especially in Vermont. While spring gets all the attention, it's in the fall that your lawn sets the stage for next year’s growth. Cooler temperatures and increased moisture create ideal conditions for repairing summer stress and promoting deep, healthy root systems.

If you skip fall lawn care in Vermont, your lawn could enter winter weak and vulnerable to snow mold, compaction, and thinning. By contrast, investing just a few hours this season can dramatically improve how your yard looks and performs in the spring.
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It’s also the perfect time to get ahead on equipment maintenance. Servicing your mower, trimmer, and blower before winter storage ensures they’re protected from cold weather damage—and ready to go when the snow melts.
Taking the time now means fewer headaches, fewer expenses, and a greener, healthier lawn next year.

Fall Lawn Care in Vermont: The Complete Checklist

1. Rake and Remove Leaves Promptly

Don’t let leaves pile up. Thick layers smother your lawn, trap moisture, and create a breeding ground for pests and disease. Whether you use a leaf blower, rake, or mulching mower, aim to clear leaves once a week.

Tip: Echo backpack blowers make fast work of Vermont’s heavy maple leaf drop.

2. Keep Mowing Until Your Grass Stops Growing

Wondering when to stop mowing your lawn before winter? In Vermont, you’ll typically need to mow into late October. Maintain a height of 2.5–3 inches—cutting it too short before winter can stress your turf. Proper mowing is essential for grass prep for winter, helping your lawn stay resilient as it enters dormancy.

3. Aerate and Dethatch Your Lawn

Compacted soil and excess thatch prevent air, water, and nutrients from reaching the roots. As part of your fall yard maintenance routine, core aeration and dethatching help prepare your grass for winter and improve nutrient absorption before the season ends.
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Bonus: Aeration also boosts the effectiveness of your fall fertilizer.

4. Water Until the Ground Freezes

Don’t stop watering just because summer’s over. Grass roots continue to grow well into fall. If rainfall is sparse, give your lawn one inch of water per week until the ground begins to freeze.

5. Apply a High-Quality Fall Fertilizer

Feed your lawn in September or early October with a nitrogen-rich fall fertilizer. This supports strong root development and gives your grass a healthy head start for spring.

6. Clean and Store Lawn Equipment

Once your last mow is done, take time to clean, drain fuel, and store your mower, trimmer, and other tools. Doing this now avoids rust, clogs, or battery damage in the off-season.
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Need help winterizing your equipment? Stop by Exit 18 Equipment—we’re happy to help.

Fall Lawn Care in Vermont Made Easy with Exit 18 Equipment

Your lawn deserves just as much attention in the fall as it gets in the spring. With this fall lawn care checklist for Vermont homeowners, you’ll protect your yard and your equipment before the snow flies.

Need service, or new tools for fall? Visit Exit 18 Equipment in Georgia, Vermont—we’ve got the expertise and gear to help you get it done.