Fall is here, and that means it's go-time for getting your lawn and landscaping ready for winter. While the cooler temps feel like a break from summer yard work, these next six weeks are actually some of the most important for protecting your investment and setting the stage for healthy growth come spring.
At Transitions Outdoor Services, we've put together a no-fuss, week-by-week plan to help homeowners make the most of fall.
Here's your six-week fall lawn sprint—let's finish strong!
Week 1: Schedule Your Sprinkler Winterization
Dates: September 23 - November 13, 2025
If you haven't scheduled this yet, do it now. Your irrigation system needs to be professionally winterized—also called a "blowout"—before the first hard freeze hits. Any leftover water in the lines can expand when it freezes, causing cracks, burst pipes, and expensive repairs.
We're servicing the following areas this year: Plymouth, Northville, Novi, Livonia, South Lyon, Farmington, and Farmington Hills.
Pricing:
- $75 for up to 6 sprinkler zones
- $5 for each additional zone
- Pump/Well/Water Feature Systems: $125 flat fee + sprinkler pricing
What to do before your appointment:
- Know how many zones your system has (we can help if you're unsure)
- Make sure we have access to the backflow preventer and irrigation controller
- Let us know if you have a pump, well, or water feature—we'll adjust accordingly
Week 2: Core Aeration
After your sprinklers are handled, it's time to breathe life back into your soil. Over time, soil becomes compacted from foot traffic, mowing, and even rainfall. Aeration solves this by pulling out small plugs of soil, which allows oxygen, water, and nutrients to penetrate deeper.
Benefits of core aeration:
- Breaks up compacted soil
- Boosts root growth
- Helps fertilizer and seed reach the root zone
- Reduces pooling and runoff
Think of it as hitting the “reset” button on your lawn's health.
Week 3: Overseeding + Spot Repairs
This is the perfect follow-up to aeration. Now that your soil has room to breathe, it's time to overseed and repair thin or damaged areas. Fall provides the ideal conditions for new grass seed—cool nights, warm days, and plenty of moisture.
What we do:
- Apply a premium seed blend tailored to your existing grass
- Fill in bare patches or thinning spots
- Optionally apply a light topdressing (thin layer of compost or soil) to help the seed establish
- Water thoroughly and consistently to promote germination
If you've got high-traffic areas, pet spots, or sections that struggled over summer, this is your window to fix them before winter.
Week 4-5: Leaf Management (Mulch vs. Haul-Away)
Leaves may look pretty, but leaving them on your lawn can cause real damage. When leaves sit too long, especially when wet, they form a mat that blocks sunlight and traps moisture—leading to mold, fungus, dead patches, and even rodent issues.
We recommend a weekly or bi-weekly cadence for managing leaves. Here's what that actually means:
Option 1: Mulch Mowing
- We use special mowers to shred leaves into fine pieces that decompose back into the soil.
- This is great if you have a light to moderate amount of leaf drop.
- Adds organic matter and nutrients to your lawn.
- Good for: Small to medium yards, less tree cover, and folks who want a low-impact, eco-friendly option.
Option 2: Leaf Haul-Away
- For properties with heavy tree cover or massive leaf drop, mulching isn't always enough.
- We gather and remove all leaves from the property entirely—no mess left behind.
- Helps avoid smothering the grass and keeps things looking tidy.
- Good for: Heavily wooded lots, larger yards, or homeowners who want a clean, crisp appearance heading into the holidays.
Our Recommendation: We'll assess your property and recommend a cadence and method based on your tree coverage and lawn health. In many cases, we alternate—mulching early in the season and switching to haul-away as leaves build up.
Week 6: Final Cleanup + Bed Prep
This is your last chance to tie everything together before winter sets in.
Final Cleanup Checklist:
- Clear any remaining leaves and debris
- Trim back dead perennials and overgrown shrubs
- Remove annuals that won't survive the frost
- Weed garden beds and prep edges
- Apply mulch where needed to protect soil over winter
A thorough final cleanup helps prevent disease, reduces spring labor, and keeps your landscaping looking intentional—even during the off-season.
Let's Make This Fall Count
The next six weeks are your best shot to strengthen your lawn, protect your landscape, and eliminate headaches come spring. Whether you want to take it one step at a time or hand it all over to the pros, Transitions Outdoor Services is here to help. Contact us today to book any of the services above.
