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The September To-Do List: Lawn Care, Cleanup & Fertilizing

Posted on by Mike Paduch
08
Sep

September is the month to refresh your New England garden after summer’s heat and prepare it for the cooler days ahead. With a little effort now, your lawn and landscape will reward you with healthy growth this fall and a head start next spring. Here’s your easy-to-follow checklist:

✅ Lawn Care

  • Overseed bare spots – September is prime time to fill in thin areas. Cool nights and warm soil encourage quick germination.

  • Aerate compacted soil – Loosen up tired summer lawns so water, air, and nutrients reach the roots.

  • Apply a fall lawn fertilizer – Look for a slow-release formula to build strong roots before winter.

  • Keep mowing – Continue cutting the grass until it stops actively growing, keeping blades at about 2½–3 inches.

✅ Garden Cleanup

  • Remove spent annuals – Clear out tired summer flowers and make space for cool-season plants.

  • Cut back perennials as needed – Trim back plants that are finished blooming, but leave seed heads (like coneflowers) for birds.

  • Rake leaves – Don’t let leaves smother your grass. Use them for compost or as mulch in garden beds.

  • Tidy garden beds – Pull weeds and top-dress with fresh mulch or compost to protect soil health.

✅ Fertilizing & Soil Care

  • Feed trees and shrubs – Use a balanced, organic fertilizer like Espoma Tree-tone or Plant-tone to strengthen roots.

  • Amend beds with Coast of Maine composts – Adding organic matter restores nutrients and improves soil structure.

  • Fertilize bulbs when planting – If you’re tucking in daffodils, tulips, or crocus for spring, add a bulb food or Espoma Bulb-tone.

✅ Bonus September Tasks

  • Plant trees & shrubs – Cooler weather makes September perfect for new plantings (see our full blog on this topic!).

  • Divide crowded perennials – Give them more room to thrive and share extras with friends or neighbors.

  • Decorate for fall – Add mums, asters, ornamental kale, and pumpkins for instant seasonal color.

Ready to Get Started?

Crystal Lake Garden Shop has everything you need for your September garden checklist—from Coast of Maine soils and composts to Espoma fertilizers and fresh fall plants. Stop by today and let’s make your lawn and garden shine this fall!

Mike Paduch