Chicago-Area Lawns Are Still Growing: Why Homeowners Shouldn't Stop Lawn Care Too Early, Says Dr. Green Services

Dr. Green Services explains why cooler temperatures do not necessarily mean the growing season is over for cool-season lawns

CHICAGO, Oct. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As temperatures fall across the Chicago area and Northwest Indiana, homeowners may assume their lawns have finished growing for the year. However, cool-season grasses can remain active well into fall, making this an important period for lawn care before winter arrives.

Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass, two common grasses throughout the region, are adapted to cooler conditions. While visible growth gradually slows as temperatures decline, these grasses can continue growing during favorable fall conditions.

"Once the weather cools down, it's easy to think the lawn is basically finished for the year," said Marc Harris, Operations Manager for Dr. Green Services' Chicago and Indiana regions. "But cool-season grass is well suited for fall conditions. What homeowners do during this period can help the lawn enter winter in better condition."

University of Illinois Extension identifies late summer and early fall as an important period for cool-season lawn care. As a result, homeowners should not stop maintaining their lawns simply because summer has ended.

Mowing should continue as needed while grass remains actively growing. Rather than allowing turf to become excessively tall before winter, homeowners should maintain an appropriate mowing height and avoid removing too much of the grass blade at once.

Falling leaves also require attention. Light amounts can be shredded with a mower and returned to the lawn. However, heavy leaf accumulation can cover the turf and limit the sunlight reaching actively growing grass. Removing or mulching leaves regularly helps prevent them from forming a dense layer over the lawn.

Watering needs change as temperatures decline. Cooler conditions generally reduce moisture loss compared with summer, so lawns may require less supplemental irrigation. Still, homeowners should monitor rainfall and soil moisture while grass remains active.

Fall nutrition can also play an important role. Properly timed fertilization can support cool-season turf as it prepares for winter, although applications should account for grass type, seasonal timing and individual lawn conditions.

Eventually, colder temperatures will bring active growth to an end. Until then, appropriate mowing, moisture management, leaf management and seasonal nutrition can help prepare Chicago-area lawns for winter.

Dr. Green Services recommends viewing fall as an extension of the growing season rather than an immediate end to lawn care. Proper attention during this transition can help cool-season turf enter winter in better condition and prepare for growth the following spring.

Contact:
Ryan Van Haastrecht

[email protected]

800-465-2934

SOURCE Dr. Green Services