Quick answer
In fall, keep leaves off the lawn, gradually stop mowing as growth slows, treat for winter weeds, and winterize your sprinklers before the first hard freeze.
Fall Checklist
- Remove heavy leaf cover so it doesn't smother the grass
- Keep mowing until growth stops, without dropping the height
- Apply pre-emergent for winter weeds such as henbit and poa annua
- Winterize the irrigation system before hard freezes
- Clean gutters after most leaves have dropped
What Dormancy Looks Like
Bermuda and zoysia turn tan after frost. That's normal dormancy, not a dead lawn. It will green back up in spring.