Homeowner’s Guide to Fall Yard Cleanup: Top 10 Tasks to Tackle
10 Essential Fall Cleanup Tasks to Prepare Your Yard for Winter
As the leaves start to fall and temperatures drop, it’s time to prepare your landscape for the colder months. Proper fall cleanup can make a big difference in the health of your yard, ensuring that it thrives when spring arrives. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, these ten essential tasks can help keep your landscape in top shape.
Clear Out Dead Leaves
Fallen leaves are beautiful, but if left on your lawn, they can block sunlight and trap moisture, potentially leading to mold and lawn disease. Raking or blowing leaves from your lawn and flower beds not only keeps your yard tidy but also encourages a healthy start next spring.
Trim Smaller Trees and Shrubs
Fall is a good time to prune fruit trees and smaller shrubs, encouraging healthy growth for next season. Focus on removing any damaged or diseased branches. Avoid heavy pruning of large trees, as that’s best left to professionals and can be more safely done during other times of the year.
Cut Back Perennials
Many perennials can be cut back in the fall to promote healthy regrowth in the spring. Trim back plants like daylilies, hostas, and peonies, leaving a few inches above ground. Be sure to remove dead or diseased foliage, as this can prevent diseases from carrying over to the next growing season.
Clean Out Garden Beds
Remove spent annuals, dead foliage, and any debris that has accumulated in your garden beds. This cleanup not only improves the appearance of your landscape but also reduces hiding spots for pests and minimizes the chance of diseases overwintering in your yard.
Aerate and Seed Your Lawn
Aerating your lawn in the fall helps relieve soil compaction, allowing nutrients, water, and oxygen to reach the roots more effectively. Overseeding after aeration can fill in bare spots and thicken your lawn, giving it a head start next spring.
Add a Layer of Mulch
Mulching around trees, shrubs, and garden beds provides insulation during the colder months. A 2–3 inch layer of organic mulch will help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect root systems from extreme temperatures.
Inspect and Winterize Your Irrigation System
Freezing temperatures can damage irrigation systems if they’re not properly winterized. Ensure all water is drained from hoses and consider professional assistance to blow out any remaining water from sprinkler lines. This simple step can save costly repairs in the spring.
Protect Vulnerable Plants
Certain plants, like young shrubs or less cold-hardy species, benefit from added protection in the winter. Consider burlap covers or protective barriers to shield them from harsh winds and frost.
Clean and Store Outdoor Furniture
To keep your outdoor furniture in great condition, clean and store it in a dry place before the weather turns. Covering larger items with waterproof materials can help protect them from the elements if storage space is limited.
Inspect Outdoor Lighting and Pathways
Shorter days mean outdoor lighting will be in higher demand. Check and repair any outdoor lighting fixtures and clear walkways to ensure safe paths. This is also a good time to inspect for any necessary pathway repairs to prevent slipping hazards in the wet and icy months.
By taking the time to complete these ten tasks, you’re setting your landscape up for success through the winter and giving it a fresh start in spring. Fall cleanup can be a lot of work, but you don’t have to do it alone! Contact Proscapes today for professional fall cleanup services that will ensure your yard is ready for the colder months ahead. With over 20 years of experience, our team knows how to make fall preparation easy, efficient, and thorough—so you can enjoy a beautiful, healthy landscape year-round.
