Howdy amigos! 👋 We’re in that funny in-between season — nights in the 60s, days still brushing the 80s and 90s. The grass and plants aren’t showing much change yet, but internally, things are shifting. Add one solid rain (or an extra irrigation cycle), and your turf will wake right up.
October is historically one of Austin’s best rain months, and paired with cooler temps, it’s one of the best times for lawn recovery. Let’s talk about how to take advantage of it.
Topdressing: Timing Is Everything
Topdressing adds a thin layer of nutrient-rich soil over your turf to improve root development, soil quality, and long-term health.
- Spring vs. Fall: Spring’s window is broad (2–3 months). Fall’s is short — just a few weeks.
- Why timing matters:
- Too early (grass still dormant) = smothers turf.
- Too late (grass entering winter dormancy) = wasted effort.
- Best bet: First 1–2 weeks of October, after a good rain.
Pro tip: Choose a soil/compost blend. Pure compost gives a quick nutrient “sugar rush,” but doesn’t build lasting soil health.
Aeration: Clearing the Air (Literally)
There are two types of aeration — and they’re not created equal.
- Mechanical Aeration (what we do):
- Pulls plugs/cores from the soil.
- Relieves compaction (a big deal in Austin’s dense soils).
- Lets nitrogen and oxygen reach the root zone.
- Best for active families and pets (tiny feet = compaction machines).
- Liquid Aeration (what many companies sell):
- Applies a chemical solution that increases soil permeability.
- Good supplement, but it doesn’t actually decompact the soil.
If I’m choosing for my own lawn? Mechanical every time. It’s harder, but it makes a physical difference.
Why Now Matters
We’re about 10 days away from the sweet spot. If you’re a DIYer, prep now. If you’d rather have a team handle it, get on the schedule so you don’t miss the window.
Cooler temps, some much-needed rain, and well-timed topdressing + aeration = a healthier lawn heading into spring.
Almost sweatshirt weather, folks. 😉
That’s it for this week in landscaping. Here’s to healthy turf and crisp mornings ahead!
— The Top Choice Lawn Care Team