Teg Blog & News

Fresno’s winters are mild, but your lawn still needs a few key steps in fall to stay healthy. Ignoring your lawncare in the winter will make things much more difficult for you once the warm weather returns. Tackle these five tasks now to prevent weeds, reduce disease risk, and set up a strong spring.

1. Apply a Fall Fertilizer

A fall feeding supports root growth and recovery from summer stress. Choose a product with slow-release nitrogen and adequate potassium, and water in after application so nutrients reach the roots. Many lawns benefit from a second, lighter “winterizer” application later in the season to boost resilience.

2. Aerate Compacted Soil

Core aeration improves airflow and nutrient movement in clay soils common across the Central Valley. Aeration also helps your fertilizer work better and reduces thatch buildup. If you plan to overseed thin areas, fall is the ideal time; seed contacts soil in the aeration holes and establishes more reliably.

3. Control Weeds Proactively

Winter annual weeds—like annual bluegrass, henbit, and chickweed—germinate in fall. A timely pre-emergent (and targeted post-emergent where needed) prevents them from taking over. Treat beds, fence lines, and gravel strips too; neglected edges often re-infest the lawn. Staying ahead of winter weeds means fewer problems and fewer spray visits in spring.

4. Clean Up Leaves and Debris

A thick layer of leaves blocks light and traps moisture, which encourages disease. Mulch light leaf fall to add organic matter; remove heavy piles from turf, gutters, and drains. Clearing debris also improves airflow across the lawn, helping grass dry out after irrigation or rain.

5. Trim and Tidy the Landscape

Prune back overgrown shrubs that block airflow or encroach on walkways. Remove weak or low branches that could break in winter storms. Edge beds and refresh mulch to suppress cool-season weeds and protect roots. Tidying now also improves curb appeal through the holidays.

Bonus Checks for Fresno Properties

• Irrigation: Adjust your controller for cooler weather. Water less frequently but long enough to soak the root zone. Fix leaks and clogged nozzles while demand is lower.
• Mower height: Keep blades sharp and mow at a moderate height to protect crowns and reduce stress.
• Non-turf vegetation: Apply vegetation control in alleys, fence lines, and hardscapes so weeds don’t seed back into the lawn.

Let a Local Pro Handle the Timing

Doing the tasks is one thing; doing them at the right time is what delivers results. The Experienced Gardener builds a simple, seasonal plan for your property and handles the heavy lifting—fertilization, aeration, weed control, and vegetation management—so you can enjoy your yard without guesswork. Call The Experienced Gardener today to schedule your fall services and head into winter with a healthier, cleaner-looking landscape.