Fall Lawn Care Tips: Start with Pre-Emergents

Sep 19, 2025, 12:22 PM by Fred Speer

As temperatures finally ease after a long, hot summer, California homeowners have the perfect opportunity to give their lawns some well-deserved attention. Fall is the season to help grass recover from summer stress, strengthen its root system, and prepare for the months ahead.

At Clark Pest Control, we’re best known for keeping homes free of pests, termites, and rodents. But we also know how to keep lawns healthy and weed-free. By combining professional lawn care with your residential pest management program, you create a complete barrier that protects your home inside and out.

Why Pre-Emergents Belong in Fall

One of the smartest steps you can take this season is applying a pre-emergent herbicide. Here’s why timing matters:

  • Stop weeds before they start: Many invasive weeds including crabgrass, chickweed, and henbit germinate in fall. Applying pre-emergents now blocks them before they take root, giving your lawn the upper hand and creating a defensible space around your home lessening the threat of dry weeds and brush adding fuel to wildfires.
  • Best soil temperatures: Pre-emergents work most effectively when soil temperatures hover around 55°F for several days. This condition is common in fall, making it the ideal application window.
  • Extended protection: A fall application shields your lawn through winter and into spring, covering the most active germination period.
  • Healthier spring turf: Limiting weed competition now means your grass will have more access to water, nutrients, and sunlight as it greens up in spring.
  • Convenient timing: Many homeowners aerate and overseed in fall. Applying pre-emergents afterward strengthens those efforts.

 

Other Smart Fall Lawn Care Tips

In addition to pre-emergent treatments, a few other seasonal steps can make a big difference in your lawn’s health and appearance:

  • Adjust watering: As days shorten and temperatures drop, lawns require less water. Scale back irrigation frequency but focus on deep watering to encourage strong root systems.
  • Fertilize: Apply a slow-release, high-nitrogen fertilizer to help your lawn recover from summer heat and prepare for cooler weather.
  • Keep mowing: Continue mowing until grass growth slows significantly. Lower the height gradually for denser turf, but avoid cutting too short, which can stress the grass.
  • Overseed thin areas: Fall is the best time to overseed cool season grasses like fescue, which thrive in milder weather.
  • Aerate compacted soil: If your lawn feels hard or shows thatch buildup, aeration helps water, nutrients, and oxygen reach the roots.
  • Watch for disease: Cooler, moist conditions can promote fungal issues. Stay alert and take corrective action if you see signs of disease.

 

Clark Can Help

A little lawn care now pays big dividends in spring. By investing in fall maintenance, you’ll set the stage for a greener, thicker, and more resilient lawn.

If you’d like expert guidance with lawn care or want to pair lawn services with pest prevention, Clark Pest Control is here to help. Call or text us at 800/WE-NEED-YOU or email clarkcares@clarkpest.com

Thanks for trusting Clark - your neighborly partner in keeping your home, yard, and lawn healthy year-round.