5 Tips to Make Your Lawn Ready for Thanksgiving Guests

Thanksgiving is a time filled with joy, delicious meals, and the comforting aroma of baked goods. It’s the season to gather with family and friends, celebrate the beauty of togetherness, and reflect on what we’re most grateful for. As we prepare our kitchens for a day of feasting and decorate our homes to welcome guests, we often overlook one important aspect: the lawn. 

A well-kept, inviting lawn elevates your home’s curb appeal and sets the stage for a warm and festive holiday. When you get things done ahead, you can focus on what matters most—making memories and enjoying quality time with your loved ones.

Is Your Lawn Thanksgiving Ready?

Though often an overlooked part of holiday preparation, your lawn creates a lasting first impression. It’s the perfect backdrop for holiday gatherings, helping set a welcoming tone for your guests. Using small grass sods to fill bare spots can quickly elevate your outdoor space, as a healthy lawn is like an open invitation to enjoy the beauty of the season, whether it's for outdoor games or simply to admire from the window.

1. Water Regularly

Lawn maintenance is important year-round, even as temperatures drop. Watering remains essential to keep your landscape lush and beautiful throughout the holiday season. As long as your grass is actively growing, aim for 1-1.5 inches of water per week, ideally spread over one to two deep watering sessions. This method encourages strong root development by ensuring water penetrates deeply into the soil. Aim to moisten the soil to a depth of about 6-8 inches, and watch for signs of dehydration like wilting or dull grass blades. However, be mindful of overwatering, which can lead to soggy soil and root rot. Keeping a balance is key to maintaining a durable lawn.

2. Mow Your Lawn Regularly

Maintaining the correct grass height contributes to a healthy lawn. Follow the one-third rule: never remove more than one-third of the grass blade length in a single mowing session. This practice helps keep your lawn strong and prevents stress on the grass. For warm-season grasses like bermudagrass, zoysia, and St. Augustine, the ideal height is usually between 1-2 inches. As temperatures cool, your grass may grow more slowly, so adjust your mowing schedule based on the lawn’s needs rather than sticking to a strict timetable. Keep your mower blades sharp to ensure a clean cut and avoid damage to the grass.

3. Keep Your Yard Clean

A part of fall’s appeal is the abundance of fallen leaves.  While autumn leaves from trees and bushes can be charming, you shouldn’t leave them to accumulate. A thick layer of leaves can suffocate the grass, blocking sunlight and trapping moisture, which creates an attractive environment for pests and disease. Rake your leaves regularly to clear debris, keeping your lawn healthy and hydrated. A tidy lawn looks appealing and, more importantly, protects your grass from potential damage.

4. Repair Damaged Lawn with Grass Plugs  

Bare patches on your lawn can be more than just eyesores; they can lead to serious problems like soil compaction, weed infestation, and pest issues. Planting grass plugs offers a quick and effective solution for filling in these gaps. Since grass plugs are mature, they cover bare spots faster than seeding, but they still require time to adapt to their new environment. Plant them at least two weeks before Thanksgiving to give them a chance to root and spread. The earlier you repair damaged areas, the better your lawn will look when guests arrive.

5. Fertilize Grass for Faster Growth

Fall is a great time to give your lawn a nutrient boost. In regions that experience fall frosts, this may be your last chance to fertilize before the grass goes dormant for winter. However, lawn care can continue as usual in temperate climates like Florida. The milder temperatures support ongoing growth, making fertilization particularly effective. Applying the right fertilizer can accelerate growth and strengthen the lawn’s root system. 

NutriPod, with its 17-1-10 NPK ratio, is an excellent choice. This grass fertilizer is specifically formulated to double the growth rate of new grass plugs, ensuring strong root development and lush green coverage. A well-fertilized lawn will be healthier and more resilient, ready to handle the increased foot traffic from your holiday guests.

Now It’s Time to Decorate for Thanksgiving

Once your lawn is prepped, it’s time to add some festive flair. It’s easy to get wrapped up in decorating your home’s interior, but don’t forget your lawn can also embrace the Thanksgiving spirit. A healthy, green lawn is the perfect canvas for tasteful autumn decorations. Consider placing hay bales, pumpkins, and a fall-themed wreath on your front porch to welcome guests. Keep your decorations simple and elegant to let your lawn shine between two major holidays—Halloween and Christmas. A thoughtfully decorated lawn creates a festive atmosphere and shows off all the hard work you’ve put into your landscape.

For more seasonal lawn care tips and to buy high-quality grass plugs for sale, visit SodPods. Transform your lawn into a stunning, guest-ready landscape for Thanksgiving and beyond.