As the growing season winds down, many commercial property managers shift their attention to snow preparation and winter maintenance. However, the final weeks of fall are critical for ensuring your turfgrass enters dormancy in peak condition. Healthy turf not only looks better but also recovers faster in the spring, resists disease, and supports your property’s overall appearance and function. At OneSource Property Maintenance, we help clients close the season strong with a proactive, science-based turf care approach.

Why End-of-Season Turf Care Is Important

Fall conditions—cooler temperatures, increased moisture, and reduced foot traffic—make this the ideal time to strengthen turfgrass roots, correct damage, and prepare for dormancy. Ignoring late-season turf needs can result in:

• Increased winterkill risk
• Poor spring green-up and uneven turf
• Compacted, thin, or weed-invaded areas
• Higher costs for spring recovery

With a strategic plan, turf can be fortified now to reduce maintenance demands later.

Essential Turf Care Steps Before Winter

1. Final Mowing and Edging
Lowering the mower height slightly during the last mow (without scalping) helps prevent snow mold and matting over winter. Clean, crisp edging improves visual impact and prevents turf from encroaching on walkways and beds.

2. Core Aeration
Aerating the soil relieves compaction, improves water and nutrient flow, and enhances root development. Fall aeration is especially valuable on high-traffic commercial lawns where soil becomes compressed over the season.

3. Overseeding
If turf is thinning or has bare patches, overseeding after aeration introduces new grass varieties for better density and disease resistance. Cool-season grasses germinate well in early fall and establish before frost.

4. Fertilization
Fall fertilization promotes root growth and nutrient storage for winter survival. Slow-release or balanced fertilizers deliver consistent nutrition, preparing turf to bounce back in spring. OneSource selects the ideal formulations for your turf type and regional conditions.

5. Weed Management
Treating broadleaf weeds in the fall is effective because they actively absorb nutrients into their root systems. Targeted applications now reduce weed pressure in spring without harming healthy turf.

6. Soil Testing and Amendments
Late-season soil testing identifies pH imbalances or nutrient deficiencies. Lime, sulfur, or organic amendments can be applied to correct these issues before winter sets in. Healthy soil leads to healthier turf.

7. Leaf and Debris Removal
Regular leaf clearing prevents turf suffocation and reduces mold risk. Wet, layered leaves can smother grass and create disease-prone conditions. Removing debris also enhances site cleanliness and tenant satisfaction.

8. Irrigation System Shutdown Coordination
Your turf care plan should align with your irrigation winterization schedule. Ensuring turf receives a final deep watering before shutdown helps plants store moisture and nutrients ahead of dormancy.

Turf Tips for Commercial Properties

Unlike residential lawns, commercial landscapes face unique challenges:

• Heavy Foot Traffic: Compresses soil and damages turf edges
• Snow Storage Areas: Risk of turf compaction, salt exposure, and delayed spring recovery
• Varying Sun/Shade Patterns: Require tailored seed blends and maintenance plans
• Visibility Requirements: Curb appeal is tied directly to tenant impressions

OneSource develops site-specific turf care strategies that address these variables and ensure performance across zones.

Preparing for Spring Starts in Fall

A well-maintained turf surface now sets the stage for:

• Stronger root systems that can resist drought and disease
• More even spring green-up with fewer brown patches
• Lower seasonal costs due to reduced need for remediation
• Better curb appeal that reflects year-round care

Closing the season with the right turf care means starting next season ahead of the curve.

How OneSource Helps You Finish Strong

Our turf specialists and landscape crews provide:

• Late-season turf health assessments
• Aeration and overseeding with commercial-grade equipment
• Nutrient management plans and precision fertilization
• Leaf removal and turf grooming
• Soil testing and customized amendment programs

We tailor every service to your property’s layout, usage, and turf species for optimal results.

Plan Now, Save Later

Rushing through or skipping late-season turf care can lead to costly spring repairs and diminished property value. Partnering with OneSource ensures your turf is strong, protected, and prepared for the months ahead.

Contact OneSource Property Maintenance today to schedule a fall turf evaluation and close the season with confidence.