Fall Lawn Care Tips: Leaf Cleanup and Proper Mowing Height
As autumn settles in and the leaves begin to fall, your lawn needs a little extra attention to stay healthy through winter and into next spring. While it can be tempting to let fallen leaves pile up or skip the last mow of the season, proper fall lawn care plays a big role in keeping your grass lush and vibrant year after year.
Here’s what to keep in mind when managing leaves and mowing your lawn this fall.
Should You Mulch or Rake Leaves?
When leaves are dry and crisp—as they often are in early to mid-October—mulching can be an excellent option. Running a mulching mower over a light layer of leaves helps return valuable organic matter to the soil. Just be sure to mulch regularly rather than waiting until all the leaves have fallen. Trying to mulch a thick, wet layer of leaves later in the season can clog your mower and smother your grass.
If the leaves become soggy after rain or you’ve fallen behind on cleanup, it’s best to rake or use a bagging mower to remove them. Collected leaves can be added to your compost pile and, once broken down, used to enrich your flower beds the following year. This simple cycle helps you create natural fertilizer while keeping your property looking tidy.
When and Why Leaf Cleanup Matters
Beyond appearances, removing leaves is important for your lawn’s health. Wet, matted leaves can block sunlight and airflow, encouraging mold and fungus to develop. In particular, if you notice black spots on your leaves—a common sign of fungal infection—it’s best not to compost them. These infected leaves can reintroduce disease to your trees and shrubs next year. Instead, bag them and take them to your local yard waste depot or landfill.
Even if you miss your window before the first snowfall, it’s still worth cleaning up leaves once the snow melts again. A quick mid-winter cleanup helps prevent mold and keeps your grass from suffocating under layers of decaying leaves.
How Short to Cut Your Lawn in the Fall
Most lawns in Ontario can be cut until late October, depending on weather conditions. Throughout the growing season, aim to maintain a mowing height of about 3 to 3½ inches. For the final one or two cuts of the year, gradually lower the blade to about 2 to 2½ inches.
Keeping your grass a little shorter before winter prevents it from folding over under snow, which can create damp conditions ideal for mice and other small rodents to nest. It also helps improve air circulation around the crown of the grass, reducing the risk of disease and snow mold.
A Simple Fall Lawn Care Checklist
- ✅ Mulch light layers of dry leaves regularly, or rake and compost thicker layers
- 🚫 Bag and dispose of any leaves with black spots or fungal growth
- ✂️ Lower your mower height slightly for the final cuts of the season
- 🧹 Keep lawns clear of debris before the first snowfall
- 🌱 Compost healthy leaves for use in next year’s gardens and flower beds
Frequently Asked Questions About Fall Lawn Care in Ontario
Can I leave leaves on my lawn over winter?
Leaving a few mulched leaves is fine, but a thick layer can smother your grass and encourage mold growth. Always make sure leaves are dry and finely shredded if you plan to mulch them into your lawn.
When should I stop mowing my lawn in Ontario?
Most homeowners can stop mowing around the end of October, once grass growth slows due to cooler temperatures. If the weather stays mild, continue mowing as needed until the grass stops growing.
What’s the best height to cut grass before winter?
Aim for around 2 to 2½ inches for your final mow. Shorter grass helps prevent matting, reduces the risk of snow mold, and discourages mice and voles from nesting in your lawn.
Should I compost leaves with black spots or fungus?
No. Leaves with black spots are likely infected with fungus and can spread disease to your plants next year. These should be bagged and taken to a local composting facility or yard waste site instead.
Is it too late to clean up leaves after the first snow?
Not necessarily. If the snow melts and you can access your lawn again, removing leftover leaves can still make a difference. It improves airflow, prevents mold, and helps your lawn green up faster in spring.
Get Your Lawn Ready for Spring
By keeping up with leaf cleanup and adjusting your mowing height this fall, you’ll set your lawn up for a healthier, greener spring. If you’d like help with seasonal cleanup or lawn maintenance, the A Touch of Dutch Landscaping team in Stratford, Ontario, is here to help you make the most of your outdoor space—season after season.
