** This article was written by Angela Mason Foster, Beaufort County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer **

If your lawn looks more like a patchwork quilt than a lush carpet of green, you’re not alone. After a long, hot North Carolina summer—with drought stress, heavy foot traffic, and the occasional pest outbreak—many warm-season lawns are left thin, patchy, or bare in spots. The good news? Fall is the ideal time to give your lawn some TLC.

From reseeding and aerating to fertilizing and controlling weeds, fall offers cooler temperatures, more predictable rainfall, and active root growth—perfect conditions for repairing and revitalizing your turf. Whether you’re dealing with Bermuda, zoysia, or centipede grass, or trying to manage a shady area with fescue, now’s the time to invest in your lawn’s long-term health.

Overseeding with Fescue in Shady or Transition Zones

Warm-season grasses like Bermuda and centipede prefer full sun and tend to thin out in shaded areas or spots with heavy tree cover. For those tricky zones, overseeding with tall fescue in the fall can be a smart strategy.

Fescue is a cool-season grass that germinates quickly and tolerates shade better than most warm-season species. It doesn’t spread like Bermuda or zoysia, so it’s best used in defined areas rather than across a whole lawn. Mid-September through mid-October is the sweet spot for overseeding fescue—early enough to establish roots before cold weather arrives.

To overseed:

1. Mow the area short and remove clippings.
2. Loosen the top layer of soil with a rake or dethatcher.
3. Spread seed evenly at the recommended rate (usually 3–5 lbs per 1,000 sq. ft.).
4. Water lightly but frequently until germination occurs (usually within 7–10 days).

Using a starter fertilizer can give your seed a boost, but avoid high-nitrogen products at this stage. Once seedlings are established, reduce watering frequency but water more deeply.

Aeration and Soil Amendment: Breathing New Life into the Lawn

Compacted soil is one of the biggest barriers to lawn health in Eastern NC, especially after a summer of foot traffic and dry spells. That’s where core aeration comes in.

Core aeration removes plugs of soil 2–3 inches deep, creating space for air, water, and nutrients to reach the root zone. It’s especially beneficial before overseeding, as it improves seed-to-soil contact and encourages deeper root growth. You can rent an aerator or hire a professional service for this task.

After aerating, it’s a great time to top-dress with compost or a thin layer of finely screened soil. This helps level low spots, adds organic matter, and improves microbial activity in the root zone. If your lawn has persistent problems, consider a soil test through your local Cooperative Extension office—it’s the best way to tailor amendments for your lawn’s specific needs.

Weed Control and Mowing Matters

Fall isn’t just for planting—it’s also a key time for managing weeds, especially winter annuals like henbit, chickweed, and annual bluegrass that germinate in fall and cause headaches in spring.

Apply a pre-emergent herbicide in early fall if you’re not overseeding. If you are overseeding, skip pre-emergents until your new grass is well established—typically after 2–3 mowings—since these products will also prevent your desired seed from sprouting.

Keep mowing warm-season lawns through the fall as long as they are actively growing. As a general rule:

• Bermuda and zoysia: mow at 1–2 inches
• Centipede: mow at 1.5–2 inches
• Fescue: mow at 3–3.5 inches

Never remove more than one-third of the grass blade at a time, and keep your mower blades sharp to avoid tearing the grass.

Fall Fertilization for Stronger Roots

Proper fertilization in the fall encourages healthy root development and prepares your lawn for the stresses of winter and the surge of spring growth.

• For warm-season grasses, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer no later than early September. Avoid late-season nitrogen, which can promote disease or cold injury.
• For fescue lawns, a fall fertilizer application in October or early November helps feed the grass through winter dormancy and strengthens spring recovery.

Always follow soil test recommendations when applying fertilizer, and be sure to sweep any stray granules off driveways and sidewalks to prevent runoff into waterways.

A Greener Lawn Starts Now

A little work in the fall goes a long way toward a healthier, thicker lawn next year. Overseeding, aeration, weed control, and proper fertilization—combined with consistent mowing and smart watering—create the foundation for success.

And remember, lawns don’t have to be perfect to be beautiful. Prioritize healthy practices, plant the right grass for your site, and focus on building resilient turf that supports soil health and local ecology.

Suggested Reading:

• Carolina Lawns: A Guide to Maintaining Quality Turf in the Landscape – NC State Extension
• Lawn Care without Pesticides by Warren Schultz
• NC State Extension TurfFiles: https://www.turffiles.ncsu.edu

If you have questions about your home garden or landscape, reach out to Gene Fox, Consumer Horticulture Agent with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. Email Gene at gene_fox@ncsu.edu or call (252) 946-0111. Master Gardeners are available on the Greenline Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to assist with your horticultural needs. Don’t forget to check out the Beaufort County Master Gardeners Facebook page for additional resources