Ford Recalls Over 1 Millions Cars Over 5 Different Safety Issues

On August 22, 2025, Ford made a huge announcement: five separate recalls totaling well over 1 million cars. This is not the first time that Ford has recalled over a million vehicles, but previous large recall announcements were all one clear recall. This time around the vehicles are split across multiple ones. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released briefs for all five recalls, so read on to find out if your Ford vehicle has safety issues.

Which Ford Vehicles Have Safety Issues?

With over 1.2 million Ford vehicles presenting safety issues, there’s a high chance that yours is on the list. If you own any of the following cars, keep an eye on your mailbox for the owner letter that will provide additional insight.

Lincoln and Edge Recall

The first Ford recall covers nearly 500,000 vehicles including the:

• 2016 Lincoln MKX
• 2017 Lincoln MKX
• 2018 Lincoln MKX
• 2015 Edge
• 2016 Edge
• 2017 Edge
• 2018 Edge

F-150, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, and F-550 SD Recall

Ford’s second recall encompasses over 355,000 vehicles such as the:

• 2025 F-550 SD
• 2026 F-550 SD
• 2025 F-450 SD
• 2026 F-450 SD
• 2025 F-350 SD
• 2026 F-350 SD
• 2025 F-250 SD
• 2026 F-250 SD
• 2025 F-150

Explorer and Aviator Recall

In their third recall, Ford announced safety issues with over 200,000 2025 Explorer and 2025 Aviator vehicles.

Mustang Recall

The fourth recall covers over 100,000 2024-2025 Mustang vehicles.

Ranger Recall

The final recall found safety issues with over 100,000 Ford vehicles including the:

• 2024 Ranger
• 2025 Ranger
• 2026 Ranger

Why Is Ford Recalling So Many Vehicles?

The five different recalls encompass several different safety hazards.

Lincoln and Edge Recall

The impacted Lincoln and Edge vehicles have a brake issue. According to the NHTSA, “the rear brake jounce hose may rupture and leak brake fluid.” Brake fluid leaks are dangerous because they “can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.”

F-150, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, and F-550 SD Recall

The F-series vehicles have an electrical issue. The NHTSA reports that “the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) may fail at startup.” The brief goes on to warn that “an instrument panel that does not show critical information, such as warning lights or vehicle speed, increases the risk of a crash.”

Explorer and Aviator Recall

Next on the recall list is the Explorer and Aviator recall. With these Ford vehicles, the problem is a lighting one.  Per the NHTSA brief, “when towing a trailer, the tail lights on the trailer may fail to illuminate due to an improperly manufactured body control module.” There are important safety standards that vehicles have to comply with, and because their lights aren’t sufficient, “these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, ‘Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.'” Poor lighting poses a crash hazard. The NHTSA explains that “trailer tail lights that do not illuminate as intended can reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.”

Mustang Recall

The recalled Mustangs also have a lighting problem. According to the NHTSA, “water may enter the body control module and cause a loss of communication with the exterior lighting, including the license plate light, side marker, and tail lights.” Much like the Explorer and Aviator recall, “these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, ‘Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.'” The NHTSA explains that “license plate, side marker, and tail lights that fail to illuminate as intended can reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.”

Ranger Recall

Finally, the Ranger recall has to do with air bag issues. Per the NHTSA brief, “the side curtain air bags may contact the B-Pillar inner reinforcements and tear during deployment.” Just like there are safety standards for lighting, there are also ones for airbags. And the impacted Rangers “fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 226, ‘Ejection Mitigation.'” The NHTSA warns that “air bags that deploy improperly during a crash increase the risk of injury.”

Lincoln and Edge Recall

Per the NHTSA, Ford is still developing a remedy for the Lincoln and Edge brake issues. The company says that initial owner letters regarding the safety risk will be mailed out in early September 2025, and a follow-up letter with information about the remedy is expected in April of 2026.

If you have further questions, you can reach Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 25S87, and the NHTSA number for this recall is 25V544000.

F-150, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, and F-550 SD Recall

The F-series repair has been developed. Per the NHTSA brief, “the instrument panel cluster software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge.” Ford says that they will mail out owner letters in early September 2025.

If you have further questions, you can reach Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 25S88 and the NHTSA number for this recall is 25V540000.

Explorer and Aviator Recall

The Explorer and Aviator recall also has a clear fix. The NHTSA says that “dealers will replace the body control module C on vehicles with less than 9,000 miles. For vehicles over 9,000 miles, dealers will perform a functional check on the body control module C and replace it as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge.” Ford says that they will be sending out initial owner letters in mid-October 2025 and will send out final letters with instructions for the repairs in April 2026.

If you have further questions, you can reach Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 25C42 and the NHTSA number for this recall is 25V543000.

Mustang Recall

For the Mustang recall, the NHTSA brief explains that “dealers will inspect and seal the body seams as necessary. Dealers will also inspect the body control module for corrosion and replace it, if necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge.” Ford is sending out two round of letters for this recall as well. The initial letters are expected to be mailed out in early September 2025, and the remedy letters are “anticipated first quarter 2026.”

If you have further questions, you can reach Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 25C43 and the NHTSA number for this recall is 25V546000.

Ranger Recall

Finally, the Ranger recall. For this repair, the NHTSA reports that “dealers will install protective shields, free of charge.” Ford’s first round of letters will go out in early September 2025 and their remedy letters are expected to go out in December 2025.”

If you have further questions, you can reach Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 25C41 and the NHTSA number for this recall is 25V541000.

Sources

Rear Brake Hose May Rupture, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2025.

Instrument Panel Display Failure, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2025

Inoperative Trailer Tail Lights/FMVSS 108, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2025

Exterior Lighting Failure/FMVSS 108, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2025

Air Bags May Tear/FMVSS 226, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2025

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13 Everyday Uses for a Swiss Army Knife You Haven’t Considered

Make Moving Day a Breeze

A box cutter is often considered the standard tool for moving day, but a Swiss Army Knife is even better, says real estate expert Ryan Carrigan. Use the knife to cut open taped boxes, the can opener to pry open wooden crates and the screwdriver to secure them closed again.

“The awl is also perfect to punch holes in boxes for a better grip,” he says. “It’s not quite long enough to tear the bubble wrap or damage what’s inside.”

Cook With Creativity

Victorinox, maker of Swiss Army Knives since 1897, offered us a few suggestions for the kitchen:

• • Use the small blade to peel fruits and veggies.
  • Open clams with the flathead screwdriver by inserting it into the hinge.
  • Break out the tweezers to remove bones from fresh fish before cooking.
  • Decipher a hard-to-read expiration date with the magnifying glass.
  • Prop up your phone with the multipurpose hook to more easily follow a cooking recipe.
  • Clean out the buildup between the countertop and stove with the flathead screwdriver.
  • Don’t forget the can opener for when you’ve got a stubborn tin.

Pick a Lock

“What really shocked me, in a good way, was when I witnessed someone pick a lock with a Swiss Army Knife,” says Carrigan. The lock was rusted, so the key wouldn’t work. Rather than wait for a locksmith, the answer was to use the toothpick and tweezers to turn the tumblers. “How they did it, I don’t know, but a couple of minutes later, the move continued,” he says.

Crack a Coconut

I used to have a couple of coconut palms at my house, so I can attest to how difficult it is to open one up, even using power tools. But of course, it’s no problem for a Swiss Army Knife.

“The eyelet is one of the few tools strong enough to puncture a coconut shell without breaking,” says interior designer Seymen Usta. “Use that as a punch, then use the knife body to pry it open.” Safety first: Make sure the coconut is stable when you punch it.

Fix a Cell Phone

Another of Usta’s favorite Swiss Army Knife hacks is using tweezers or the pin tool to remove a stuck SIM card. “When your phone’s SIM tray won’t budge, you can use those to gently pry it out without damaging anything,” he says. Safety tip: Turn off the device before trying this hack, and wrap the tip with tissue for a bit more grip.

The toothpick can also reset buttons on GPS devices, says Brian Raffio of Climbing Kilimanjaro. “It’s a great little addition,” he says. “But a word to the wise: don’t drop it, or it’s impossible to find.”

Zipper It Up

A toothpick or screwdriver can help reset jammed or frozen zippers. Insert the tool into the slider and gently wiggle it to re-align the teeth. Take it slow and steady, being careful not to force it, says Usta. “No need to throw out gear over a stuck zip,” he says. “It’s great for backpacks, coats or a tent.”

Check the Wind

If you want to know whether a storm might be rolling in, use the scissors or knife blade to check the weather. Simply tie a scrap of thread and hold it up like a tiny wind sock, says Raffio. Bonus points for using unraveled paracord instead.

“It’s not going to win any awards, but it sure looks cool, and you will know in which direction the wind is blowing,” he says.

Camp Like a Pro

The uses for the hook on a Swiss Army Knife might not be readily obvious, but there are many. Freeborn suggests tying a piece of string cord around some firewood to carry a bundle without cutting off circulation to your fingers. It can also prop up your phone to play some camp tunes or lift a pot off the fire.

“Just make sure you test it first, no one wants their can of beans in the dirt,” he says.

Resurrect Footwear

For knots in shoelaces or paracord, gently work the hook or corkscrew tools into the jumble, twisting gently to loosen it. “I find this handy during my kids’ baseball season,” says Justin Trump, editor and writer for CAT Outdoor.

Jared Spaulding of the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) says you can also use the awl for an emergency shoe fix. “Sometimes even brand-new boots fall apart after a week in the mountains,” he says. If that happens, use some cord, Barge Cement and a stitch with the sewing awl for a quick fix.

Build a Fire

Turn your scissors into a tinder-making machine for campfires by grabbing some lint or dry grass and snipping it into a fluffy pile. You’ll have a fire going in short order, says Army veteran Chad Lipka.

“On a freezing night in the Boundary Waters, my friends and I were fretting over damp wood when I did this with some sock lint,” he says. “Bam, instant fire, warm night.” Safety tip: point scissors away from your body, keep them razor-sharp for clean cuts and store your knife dry to avoid rust.

Build Another Fire

Trump offers up this alternative emergency fire starting method: Use a CR123A battery from a flashlight, brace its flat end on the bottle opener, close the can opener until it almost touches the positive nub, then bridge fine steel wool between the nub and can opener.

“The wool heats and ignites tinder,” he says. “Essentially, you can use the tool to create some makeshift electricity if you need to.”

Sharpen a Fishing Hook

A popular Swiss Army Knife hack for anglers is using the awl to sharpen hooks, says Lipka. Glide the point of a dull hook along the awl’s groove with gentle pressure, turn the hook to maintain even wear, then grip test on your thumbnail.

“I encourage you to play without fear, but to try gently,” he says. “Maintain a secure grip on the knife in order to prevent slippage.”

Fix Firearms

The small flat-head screwdriver on the tip of the can opener fits many iron-sights and optic screws, so you can re-zero or snug a loose mount while out hunting or at the range, says Trump. You can also use the awl or back-spring flathead to push takedown pins, drift slide pins, scrape carbon and tighten loose fasteners.

“This gives you a pocket armorer kit when you need to make adjustments on a firearm in the field,” he says.

About the Experts

Jared Spaulding is a field staffing coordinator at the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). He also teaches climbing and mountaineering.
Brian Raffio is a senior travel specialist and coordinator for Climbing Kilimanjaro trekking tours and safaris.

Aiden Freeborn is senior editor for The Broke Backpacker, a site dedicated to adventure and inspiring people to work away from their desks. He never leaves home without his Swiss Army Knife.

Seymen Usta is an interior designer and lighting expert at Seus Lighting, an online outlet for modern light fixtures.

Chad Lipka is a wellness expert and president of North Shore Sauna, an outdoor wellness e-commerce brand. He is also an outdoor enthusiast and U.S. Army veteran.

Justin Trump is president of Like Mind Brands and an editor and writer for CAT Outdoor, where he specializes in tactical gear, EDC and knives.

Ryan Carrigan is a real estate and business expert and CEO of moveBuddha, a platform that helps with moving and relocation. He also never leaves home without his Swiss Army knife.

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Get Ready for Fall

Fall Lawn Care

How to Plant Grass Seed in Fall for a Healthier Lawn

How to Dethatch a Lawn for Healthier Grass

How to Prune a Tree for Maximum Health and Growth

Why It's Time to Stop Raking Your Leaves This Fall

When Should I Stop Mowing My Lawn in the Fall?

To Rake or Not to Rake: Weighing the Benefits of Leaves

Don't Ditch Your Lawn Care Yet: Why Fall Maintenance Is Crucial

How Late Can You Plant Grass Seed? What to Know

Get into the Spirit

When to Decorate for Fall

How To Decorate a Pumpkin with Fall Leaves

Save Money and Get More Out of Your Fall Flower Planters

Prep Your Patio for Fall: A Guide to Cleaning Outdoor Cushions

How To Build a Modern Gazebo to Enhance Your Outdoor Space

6 Fall Porch Decor Ideas That Will Work in the Winter Too

The Fall and Beyond

Prevent Frozen Pipes This Winter With This Fall Checklist

Simple Steps to Insulate Your Storm Door Before Winter

Don't Let Your Fire Pit Get Rusty: A Guide to Getting It Clean

Tips for Storing Your Garden Hose During the Winter

The Essential Guide to Home Warranty Programs: Are They Really Worth It?

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6 Fall Porch Decor Ideas That Will Work in the Winter Too

A Classic Wreath

No front porch is complete without a door wreath. To make the wreath last through both fall and winter, follow this advice from wreath expert Tom Yates. “Start with a natural-looking base for fall—think branches, greenery, cones and dried seed heads; and switch up small details like ribbons and weatherproof fairy lights as we head into winter.”

What We Like About It: The champagne ribbon on this wreath from @the.accidental.farmgirl is fitting for fall, but you could easily swap it out for a big burgundy or dark green ribbon for winter and Christmas.

Neutral Color Palette

Rather than going all in on orange for fall or red and green for winter, stick with a more neutral porch decor color palette that can last through both seasons. “Earthy neutrals paired with deep greens provide a timeless base, while accents of warm bronze, copper, or gold add richness in fall and carry elegance into winter,” says landscape designer Brandon McCormick. Another color combo option is classic cream and black, like this simple display from @creeklinehouse, with different accents for each season.

What We Like About It: “Sticking with these adaptable schemes ensures your porch feels seasonally fresh while maintaining a cohesive look all year long,” says McCormick.

Kale and Cabbage Planters

Planting kale and cabbage might sound like you’re planning to make a salad rather than decorate a porch, but the beauty of these leafy greens is that they last through both fall and winter. So you can plant gorgeous container gardens in the fall and leave them up through Christmas! Check out this container from @carmenjohnstongardens featuring purple cabbage and red mums.

What We Like About It: “They are beautiful, pops of color and texture,” says interior designer Andrea Sinkin, “Make sure to cluster them together in planters. In the fall you can mix in pumpkins and then as you go into winter, mix in berries and pine.”

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A post shared by DIY + Home Decor | Jayme Squires (@jaymesquires)

Cozy Lighting

Lighting up your front porch with a warm and cozy glow is essential for both fall and winter. “At the moment, I’m obsessed with oversized lanterns with flameless candles or twinkle lights,” says interior designer Joyce Huston. They look so cozy in autumn and can effortlessly transition into winter.

What We Like About It: Large outdoor lanterns can stay on your porch through fall and winter, and you can avoid the steep price tag with this DIY option from @jaymesquires.

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A post shared by René Ceretto| Home Decor,Interior Design, & Lifestyle (@pleasantlybuilt)

High Quality Rug

Use a large, high quality rug as a base for both your fall and winter front porch displays. Watch as @pleasantlybuilt creates a simple yet stunning front porch by rolling out a neutral rug to keep everything grounded and centered. Plus, the potted evergreens work for both fall and winter—just sprinkle in festive touches for each season; like a few pumpkins for fall and red accents for winter.

What We Like About It: “A weather-resistant outdoor rug adds texture and makes the space feel more inviting for both fall and winter,” says interior designer Natalia de Arteaga.

Winter Heather

Another porch planter idea that will last throughout fall and winter is incorporating Winter Heather. This hearty plant has fluffy dark purple and red blooms that fit right in with both fall and winter decor. “Winter heather is one of my favorites. Some varieties can even bloom as early as November, making them a stunning addition to any porch planter,” says Huston.

What We Like About It: Winter Heather can be planted in early September and will bloom throughout winter. Just make sure to place it on a sunny area of your porch.

About the Experts

• Natalia de Arteaga is an architect and interior designer at Planner 5D with experience in architectural design, interior design, 3D modeling, and visualization.
• Joyce Huston is a lead interior designer and co-founder at Decorilla Online Interior Design, a service that connects customers with vetted professional interior designers to match their style preferences and budget.
• Andrea Sinkin is an interior designer and founder of Andrea Sinkin Design, she has over 15 years experience in the fashion and design industry.
• Brandon McCormick serves as the Landscape Design and Product Development Director at Carlsbad Manufacturing Corporation, a multi-brand company specializing in outdoor amenities.
• Tom Yates is the founder of Wreaths, a company offering handcrafted wreaths for every season.

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Don’t Ditch Your Lawn Care Yet: Why Fall Maintenance Is Crucial

For those of us in cool climates, fall and winter mean we don’t have to be out mowing on a weekly basis. But our grass still needs attention to keep it healthy and ready to thrive come springtime.

“Every season of lawn care has a different rhythm, no matter where you are in the country,” says lawn care expert Craig Elworthy. “So by skipping seasons of lawn care, you might not give your lawn the nutrients, water or mowing height it needs to thrive.”

Here are some post-summer lawn maintenance tips and techniques to strengthen your grass and keep it healthy year-round.

Why People Stop Caring for Their Lawns After Summer

As summer wanes, many of us stop thinking about our lawns. We might get busy with school, and it’s just going to snow pretty soon anyway, right?

“But I tell friends and customers: post-summer lawn maintenance is what separates resilient lawns from needy ones,” says seed expert Troy Hake. “With some focused care in late summer and fall, you’ll help it rebuild strong roots, head into winter stronger and set yourself up for a faster, greener lawn come spring.”

Reasons Why Lawn Maintenance Is Important Year-Round?

Year-round lawn maintenance helps keep grass healthy, resilient and visually appealing. “After summer, lawns are often stressed from heat, drought and heavy foot traffic, making them more vulnerable to disease, pests and thinning,” says lawn care expert Chris Ramos. “Regular care repairs damage, replenishes nutrients and prepares the lawn for seasonal changes.”

Fall Lawn Maintenance

Post-summer lawn maintenance helps prepare grass for winter, plus give it the elements it needs to be successful once spring comes around.

“Fall lawn care is focused on recovery and preparation, making its priorities different from spring, which is focused on growth, and summer, which is focused on heat and drought stress management,” says lawn care expert Rob Palmer.

Aerate

All summer, your lawn is has been getting compacted from foot traffic, and by the fall it has also built up a layer of thatch. Aerating now will allow nutrients, water and air to reach the roots more effectively.

Fertilize

Late-season fertilization, with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer, can help it withstand frost and disease. Sometimes this is also called a lawn winterizer.

“This can be the most important application of the year for some lawns, as it supplies grass with the necessary nutrients to survive the winter,” says Palmer.

Test soil first for nutrient deficiencies, and follow the product instructions. Over-application can burn your grass and contaminate groundwater and runoff.

Overseed

If you live in a cool climate, even if your lawn looks healthy, overseeding in fall will help fill in thinning and bare spots come spring. “Fall is the ideal time to overseed because cooler temperatures and increased rainfall create excellent conditions for new seed to germinate and establish before winter,” says Hake.

Control Weeds

Weeds that sprout during summer can be treated by applying post-emergents in late summer or early fall. In cool regions, Palmer recommends August to October, when temperatures are still warm, but before the weather becomes too cold.

Water and Mow

As grass growth begins to slow in the fall, wind down watering and mowing. The height to overwinter at depends on the species of turfgrass, but it’s important to keep grass shorter to avoid a fungal infection called snow mold, says George Reister of Husqvarna. “Many regions are prone to a warm week or two during the winter that can trap water under a layer of snow that then promotes the fungus,” he says.

But “You don’t want to give your lawn a huge cut all at once,” says Elworthy. “Start lowering your mower blade gradually over the fall in order to have a shorter cut going into the winter.”

Manage Debris

Mulch fallen leaves and remove them from the grass. “It’s important not to let them pile up, as they can block sunlight, prevent fertilizer from reaching the roots and interfere with seed germination,” says landscaper Skye Durrant.

But try to spread that leaf mulch elsewhere in your yard, as it will help return nutrients to the soil. Also, if you can, keep leaf piles in other areas around your yard and allow dead stalks to overwinter, as they greatly benefit birds, butterflies and other invertebrates and wildlife.

Winter Lawn Maintenance

Winter lawn maintenance requires less active care, but it’s still important to keep it on your task list.

Minimize Damage

Plows, salt, chemicals and foot traffic can all damage your grass in the winter. Stake out your driveway before the snow flies, to help guide plows. Also, don’t over-do it with the deicer, as that will dehydrate the soil, causing nutrient imbalance and burned or dead patches.

“You should also stay off your lawn, especially in frost and snow, to avoid compacting your soil heavily,” says turf specialist Chrissie Handle.

Pets can also cause issues over the winter. “Dogs often choose the same spots to urinate, and without rainfall or irrigation to dilute it, those areas can develop dead patches by spring,” says Durrant. “Try encouraging your pets to rotate where they go to help reduce concentrated damage.”

Aerate

While aerating is mostly a fall task, it can also be helpful in winter. “If you find that you’re getting areas of water pooling on the lawn after rainfall, or the lawn is becoming boggy, you may want to aerate during winter with a garden fork, which helps soil structure, drainage and airflow to the soil,” says Handle.

What Happens If I Don’t Maintain My Lawn Year-Round?

The health and visual appeal of your grass can wain. “The turf thins, weeds move in and disease and pest issues climb,” says Hake. “Ultimately, what should be simple upkeep turns into costly renovation, and you’re stuck with a sluggish spring recovery.”

But, if you haven’t been keeping up on it, don’t sweat it too much, says Elworthy. “All of these problems are ultimately solvable, so don’t worry if you’ve slacked on lawn care during a particular time,” he says. “Lawns are plants and can usually be brought back with the right care and nutrients.”

FAQ

Which season is it easiest to care for a lawn?

It depends on where you live, and what tasks you define as “easy.” In cooler climates, in late spring and fall, growing conditions are at their best and grass is particularly resilient. In winter, there’s not a lot of maintenance to think about.

“Each season of lawn care comes with its own challenges and rewards,” says Durrant. “I wouldn’t say one is easier than another, but my lawn always looks its best in the fall.”

About the Experts

• Troy Hake is an avid gardener, lawn care expert and owner and founder of Outsidepride Seed Source a family-owned business based in Willamette Valley, Oregon.
• Craig Elworthy is founder of the natural DIY lawn care company Lawnbright, a lawn care subscription service featuring all natural products that are safe for kids and pets.
• Chrissie Handley is a lawn care specialist at Online Turf, a soil and compost supplier, and has extensive expertise in turf laying, grass maintenance and seasonal gardening.
• Chris Ramos is PR and events coordinator at Blain’s Farm & Fleet, an outdoor, home and garden store chain.
• George Reister is director of product management at Husqvarna, manufacturer outdoor home tools.
• Rob Palmer is brand President at Lawn Squad, a franchise offering local lawn care services and weed control.
• Skye Durrant is founder of LawnGuru, a platform that connects homeowners with top-tier landscaping pros across the USA, and also founder of Ventures Design landscape and design in Michigan.

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How Early is Too Early for Fall Decor? Here’s the Deal

Much like with winter and Christmas decor, people have many differing opinions regarding how early is too early to put up fall decor. These opinions may be informed by the calendar, the specific holidays they celebrate, or their favorite season. However, when you look at these factors all together, there’s an easy date to pick.

Admittedly, I am a fall person. My own space has Halloween decorations up year-round because it’s my favorite holiday. But even if we take my own biases out of the equation, there are a few other calendar-related dates that help to nail down the appropriate window for beginning to put up your fall decorations.

Fall Holidays

There are numerous holidays in the fall, but these three spring to mind first:

• Labor Day (the first Monday in September)
• Halloween (Oct. 31)
• Thanksgiving (the last Thursday in November)

If you’re like me, you also celebrate a few extra fall holidays. One that sits at the very beginning of August is Lughnasadh. Per the New World Encyclopedia, this is a “Gaelic festival marking the beginning of the harvest season.” While it was traditionally celebrated in Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man, it’s found other revelers in Neopagans, Wiccans, Celtic Reconstructionists, and others. Since I’m celebrating a harvest festival at the beginning of August, it makes sense to mark the day by putting up fall decorations.

How early is too early for fall decor?

With these holidays in mind, early August makes the most sense as the beginning of the acceptable time to put up your fall decor. In addition to the revelry, it’s back-to-school season, signalling the end of summer vacation. It’s also the beginning of the harvest season, and we often associate harvest motifs with autumn. Any earlier than early August would probably be seen as too early by most (but to each their own).

Objections

Any decor-themed opinion is going to receive pushback. I’ve got a few rebuttals to some of the most common ones in the early fall decor debate.

Why not wait for the fall equinox?

You could choose to wait for the fall equinox, or Mabon if you celebrate it the way I do. But that occurs around September 21, and September is a very fall-coded month to begin with. Waiting for the autumn equinox to put up your fall decorations feels a bit like waiting for Christmas Eve to put up your Christmas decor. Sure, you can do that, and I admittedly have no issue with that since I prefer Halloween to Christmas anyway, but the average person would likely agree that it’s a bit late in the season.

Why not wait for Labor Day?

Labor Day is the unofficial first day of fall, so it makes sense that many people use this as their guide. Pack away your white clothing and unpack your fall decorations, right? But Labor Day is a three-day weekend that you’re likely hoping to spend relaxing. Maybe you’re spending time with your friends and family, maybe you’re having a quiet day to yourself. Either way, there’s not really time to fit in unpacking and putting up decorations unless that’s something that you really love and you have no other plans. Isn’t it nicer to have that job already done so you can spend your time off enjoying the fresh decor?

What if I really love summer?

If you really love summer, I can’t stop you from leaving your decorations up until the last minute. It’s your space, and at the end of the day, you get to decide what makes you happy. But I can strongly suggest that you start transitioning your decorations so that you don’t have a ton of switching to do once the school year has started and the fall holidays are rolling.

Source

Lughnasadh, New World Encyclopedia.

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What’s Hot in Home Colors: A DIYers Guide to the Latest Sherwin Williams Report

Much like the heavily anticipated colors of the year, the Sherwin-Williams bi-annual color report is a great way to get a feel for the upcoming color trends. Whether you’re a designer or a DIYer with an upcoming painting project, this report is a great way to get some inspiration for your next redesign. The predicted color trends for 2026 came out recently; find out what color families are likely going to take the spotlight next year.

What Is the Sherwin-Williams Bi-Annual Color Report?

In short, the Sherwin-Williams bi-annual color report is the brand’s announcement regarding color trends. The Trendsight Team looks at trends in design and puts together a packet detailing the hues that are getting traction. The brief also includes several shades in each color family to get you started.

What Are the Predicted Color Trends for 2026?

Sherwin-Williams identified four color families that it says are going to be big in 2026: frosted tints, sunbaked hues, restorative darks, and foundational neutrals. Across these four families, there are a lot of similar hues, but each family has its own colors as well.

Frosted tints

First on Sherwin-Williams’ list is frosted tints. The company describes this color family as “cool, analogous tones of icy tinted pastels in whispers of blue, green, and purple—a palette of weightless and wondrous colors destined to complement each other in any combination.” It’s certainly the coolest-toned of the four families. The hues bring to mind a winter wonderland setting and cozy nights curled up under a blanket.

Sunbaked hues

If the frosted tints felt like winter, the sunbaked hues sprint to the other end of the calendar. These warm tones evoke the feeling of warm summer days in a desert. Sherwin-Williams says that “the warmth of natural clay, buttery yellow, and intensely enriched red…ignites a nostalgic reverie, dramatic potential, and the confidence to play with color.”

Restorative darks

The restorative darks feel almost academic in nature. The official description of this palette explains that you can “find sanctuary within a sophisticated palette of deep, nocturnal colors chosen to inspire restfulness, release, and a harmonious richness that makes a quietly compelling impact.”

Foundational neutrals

Last but not least are the foundational neutrals. These feel like the lighthearted younger sister of the restorative darks. While there are common colors across the palettes, the foundational neutrals tend to the lighter end of the spectrum. Sherwin-Williams describes them as “the most essential neutrals of the moment [which] expand on the concept of black and white with a gradient of strongly saturated near-black, silvery gray, extraordinary tans and taupes, and sparkling white.”

Source

2026 COLORMIX® Forecast, Anthology: Volume Two, Sherwin-Williams.

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