Fall & Winter Lawn Care Tips for Metairie, LA (Complete Guide for Homeowners)

If you live in Metairie or the surrounding New Orleans suburbs, fall and winter lawn care looks a little different than it does in colder states. Our warm climate means grass grows longer, weeds stay active, and garden beds need attention before the spring.

Here’s a simple, expert-backed guide to keeping your yard clean, healthy, and ready for next season.

1. Keep Mowing Until Your Metairie Grass Truly Stops Growing

In South Louisiana, St. Augustine and centipede grass often grow well into late November.

Stopping too early can cause:

• Thatch buildup

• Brown patches

• Fungus from moisture

• A rough, uneven spring green-up

Recommended height:✔ St. Augustine: 2.5–3 inches✔ Centipede: 1.5–2 inches

Pro tip: Don’t cut off more than one-third of the blade at a time.

2. Clean Out Garden Beds Before Winter

Metairie’s humidity makes fall the perfect time for:

• Pulling weeds

• Removing old mulch

• Clearing debris

• Re-edging borders

• Shaping shrubs

A clean fall bed prevents:

• Overwintering weeds

• Pests

• Fungus

• Spring cleanup headaches

This is also the best time for fresh mulch or pine straw.

3. Remove Fallen Leaves Quickly (Don’t Let Them Sit)

Leaves create moisture pockets that can lead to:

• Fungus

• Insects

• Dead spots

• Mold in your beds

Weekly or biweekly leaf removal keeps your lawn breathing and healthy all winter.

4. Refresh Mulch or Pine Straw for Winter Protection

Mulch isn’t just cosmetic — it’s insulation.

Benefits of mulching in fall/winter:

• Protects roots from temperature swings

• Helps prevent winter weeds

• Holds moisture during dry cold spells

• Makes your landscaping look clean for the holidays

Even a light top-dress can transform a yard in minutes.

5. Trim Shrubs, Hedges & Mondo Grass in the Fall

Fall is ideal for shaping:

• Boxwoods

• Holly

• Ligustrum

• Mondo grass borders

• Liriope

• Small shrubs & hedges

Winter trimming helps plants:

• Maintain shape

• Reduce disease

• Grow fuller in spring

Warning: Avoid trimming during or right before a freeze.

6. Apply the Right Winter Fertilizer (Low Nitrogen)

Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers during fall and winter.

Instead, choose a winterizer with:

• High potassium (K)

• Low nitrogen (N)

This strengthens the root system and prepares your lawn for early spring.

7. Adjust Your Watering (Less Than You Think)

Metairie lawns require minimal watering during winter.

Follow this rule:✔ Only water if grass looks dry✔ Never water before a predicted freeze✔ Turn sprinkler timers to manual mode

Overwatering = fungus in winter.

8. Prevent Winter Weeds Before They Sprout

The most common winter weeds in Metairie:

• Clover

• Poa annua (annual bluegrass)

• Chickweed

• Henbit

If possible, apply a pre-emergent in fall.If weeds already sprouted, hand-pulling or targeted spot treatment is safest.

9. Do a Seasonal Cleanup Before the Holidays

Your yard will look clean all winter with a quick seasonal cleanup that includes:

• Edging

• Bed weeding

• Bush trimming

• Mulch top-off

• Leaf removal

• Border reshaping

This gives your lawn a fresh, sharp look that lasts 2–4 months.

Professional Fall & Winter Lawn Care in Metairie, LA

If you want your yard to stay healthy and look amazing through winter, Fleur de Lawns can help.

We proudly serve:

• Metairie

• Kenner

• River Ridge

• Harahan

• Jefferson Parish & nearby areas

Our seasonal services include:

✔ Lawn mowing✔ Mulch installation✔ Garden bed weeding✔ Mondo grass border cleaning✔ Hedge and shrub trimming✔ Full seasonal yard cleanups

📞 Call or text: (504) 407-1712🌿 Fleur de Lawns — clean, sharp, dependable lawn care.