Does My Lawn Need Fall Fertilizer?

selectcontracting
Sep 12
2 min read

As September rolls in and summer fades into crisp mornings and golden evenings, your lawn begins a powerful transformation. Many homeowners think lawn care ends with Labor Day, but the truth is: fall is one of the most important seasons for lawn health, especially when it comes to fertilizing your grass.

If you want a lawn that turns heads next spring, now is the time to act.

What Does Fall Fertilizer Actually Do?

Fall fertilizer is a specially formulated blend that feeds your lawn below the surface, supporting deep root development instead of blade growth. These fertilizers contain high levels of potassium and phosphorus to:

Strengthen roots
Boost cold resistance
Store nutrients for winter
Improve early spring green-up

While nitrogen-heavy spring fertilizers focus on lush, green grass blades, fall fertilizer works like a personal trainer for your lawn’s root system.

The Science of Fall Lawn Care

Once the air cools but the soil stays warm, grass plants switch gears. They stop growing tall and start growing deep — sending roots deeper into the soil in preparation for winter.

Fun fact: Turfgrass roots grow faster in fall than any other time of year, especially with the right nutrients. Fertilizing now supports thicker, more resilient turf that is better able to:

Withstand foot traffic
Resist frost damage
Outcompete weeds in spring

Fall is also the best time for core aeration and overseeding, two services that supercharge your lawn's health when paired with fertilizer.

Why Southern Ontario Lawns Need Fall Fertilizer

If you're a homeowner in Toronto or the GTA, your lawn faces freezing temperatures, heavy snow cover, and compacted soil from foot and equipment traffic. That makes fall the most strategic time to strengthen your lawn before winter takes over.

A strong fall fertilizer application helps build winter hardiness and ensures a faster, greener rebound when the snow melts.

Select Landscaping's Fall Lawn Recovery Package

We’ve designed a specialized Fall Recovery Package for Ontario homeowners who want a professional, long-term approach to lawn care. Our services include:

Core Aeration to relieve soil compaction
Slow-release, high-potassium fall fertilizer
Optional overseeding for thicker spring growth

All products are pet-safe, eco-conscious, and tailored for Canadian lawns.

Don’t Wait — Book Before the Ground Freezes!

The ideal window for fall fertilizer in Ontario is mid-September through late October. After that, the ground cools too much for root absorption.

Whether your lawn had a tough summer or you’re planning ahead for a picture-perfect spring, fall fertilizer is the smartest investment you can make for your turf.