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As the vibrant colors of fall fade and temperatures drop, it’s time to prepare your yard for the coming winter. A thorough fall yard cleanup ensures your landscape remains healthy and beautiful year-round. By taking a proactive approach, you’ll set your yard up for success in the spring, with lush grass, thriving plants, and strong trees.

Skipping fall maintenance tasks can lead to problems in the spring, such as patchy grass, unhealthy plants, and insect infestations. Fallen leaves, for example, can smother your lawn, creating conditions that lead to mold and disease. Unpruned shrubs and trees can also become breeding grounds for pests. By addressing these issues now, you can minimize damage and set the stage for a beautiful landscape next year.

So, grab your rake, pruners, and gardening gloves, and follow this detailed checklist to make your fall yard cleanup a breeze!


1. Leaf Removal: Protect Your Lawn from Damage

Fallen leaves may look picturesque, but they can spell trouble for your lawn if left unchecked. Piled-up leaves can create a barrier that prevents sunlight, water, and nutrients from reaching the grass. This can lead to thinning, dead patches, and mold and fungi growth due to trapped moisture.

  • Rake and Mulch: Regularly rake leaves off your lawn and garden beds to keep them clear. Consider using a mulching mower to shred leaves into smaller pieces that can act as a natural fertilizer.
  • Compost Leaves: If you have a compost bin, use the collected leaves to add organic matter. This will break down over time, creating rich compost for your garden beds next spring.

Pro Tip: Avoid leaving thick layers of wet leaves on the lawn, as they can create breeding grounds for pests and diseases.


2. Lawn Aeration: Promote Strong Root Growth

Aeration involves creating small holes in the soil to alleviate compaction and allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate deeper. This is especially important for high-traffic areas that become compacted over time, which can suffocate the grass and stunt root development.

  • Aerate in Early Fall: Choose a dry day in early fall for best results. Use a manual or power aerator to create small plugs or holes, focusing on areas that experienced heavy foot traffic or pooling water.
  • Follow with Overseeding: After aerating, consider overseeding your lawn to fill in bare spots and promote thicker growth.

Pro Tip: Use a core aerator, which removes small plugs of soil, instead of spike aerators, which can further compact the soil.


3. Pruning and Trimming: Keep Plants Healthy

Pruning is essential for maintaining the health and shape of trees, shrubs, and perennials. Removing dead or diseased branches reduces the risk of winter damage and encourages healthy new growth in spring.

  • Prune Dead or Damaged Branches: Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches from trees and shrubs. This prevents breakage during snowstorms and reduces the risk of spreading diseases.
  • Cut Back Perennials and Grasses: Trim back perennials to the ground to encourage fresh growth in the spring. Leave ornamental grasses uncut if you want them to provide winter interest.

Pro Tip: Avoid heavy pruning of trees and shrubs in late fall, as it can stimulate new growth that may not survive the winter. Focus on removing only the dead or damaged sections.


4. Weed Control: Stop Weeds Before They Start

Fall is a great time to tackle persistent weeds that have sprung up over the summer. If left untreated, these weeds will drop seeds and spread throughout your yard in the spring.

  • Pull Weeds from Roots: Remove weeds by hand or use a weeding tool to extract them, ensuring the roots are fully removed.
  • Apply Pre-Emergent Herbicide: Consider using a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent weed seeds from germinating over the winter.

Pro Tip: Remove weeds after a light rain; when the soil is moist, roots can be pulled out more easily.


5. Final Mowing and Edging: Keep It Neat

Give your lawn one last mow before winter arrives. Cutting the grass too high can lead to matting while cutting it too short can weaken the roots.

  • Mow to the Right Height: Keep the grass about 2 to 2.5 inches high during your final mow. This prevents matting under snow and reduces the risk of disease.
  • Edge Garden Beds and Walkways: Use a trimmer or edging tool to define garden beds, pathways, and driveways for a clean, finished look.

Pro Tip: Don’t skip the final mow! Grass that’s too long can create a perfect habitat for rodents and pests during the winter.


6. Fertilizing: Feed Your Lawn and Garden Beds

Fall fertilization helps strengthen your lawn and garden plants for the colder months. The nutrients provided will feed roots and promote early spring growth.

  • Use a Slow-Release Fertilizer: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer that feeds the lawn over time. This will help grassroots store up nutrients to withstand winter conditions.
  • Enrich Garden Beds: Add compost or organic matter to garden beds to improve soil structure and fertility for next season.

Pro Tip: Choose a fertilizer formulated specifically for fall application, as it typically contains higher potassium levels to support root health.


7. Clean Out Gutters and Downspouts: Prevent Water Damage

Cleaning out gutters and downspouts is one of the most overlooked fall maintenance tasks. Clogged gutters can cause severe water damage to your home’s foundation, roof, and landscaping.

  • Remove Debris: Clear leaves, sticks, and other debris from gutters and downspouts to prevent blockages.
  • Inspect for Damage: Check for loose or damaged sections and make necessary repairs before winter snow and ice put extra weight on the system.

Pro Tip: Install gutter guards to minimize leaf buildup and reduce the frequency of gutter cleaning.


8. Winterize Irrigation Systems: Avoid Costly Repairs

An improperly winterized irrigation system can lead to frozen pipes and expensive repairs in the spring. Taking the time to properly winterize will prevent damage caused by freezing water.

  • Drain and Blow Out Lines: Shut off the main water supply, drain the system, and use an air compressor to blow out the remaining water from the lines.
  • Store Hoses and Shut Off Valves: Disconnect and store hoses in a dry location, and shut off outdoor water spigots to prevent freezing.

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure how to winterize your irrigation system, consider hiring a professional to ensure it’s done correctly.


9. Protect Plants and Garden Beds: Prepare for Harsh Weather

Protect sensitive plants and exposed garden beds from harsh winter conditions. This can prevent frost damage and reduce the risk of soil erosion.

  • Apply Mulch: Spread a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around trees, shrubs, and garden beds to insulate roots and retain moisture.
  • Wrap Delicate Plants: Use burlap or frost blankets to shield sensitive plants from cold winds and frost.

Pro Tip: Leave some seed heads and stems uncut in garden beds to provide winter habitat for beneficial insects and birds.


10. Final Inspection and Tool Maintenance: Be Ready for Spring

Before you finish your fall cleanup, inspect landscape features and perform tool maintenance to avoid costly repairs and ensure everything is in good condition.

  • Inspect Landscape Structures: Check retaining walls, walkways, and patios for any loose stones or cracks that need repair.
  • Clean and Store Tools: Sharpen and oil blades, clean gardening tools, and store them in a dry place to prevent rust.

Pro Tip: Clean and dry your lawn mower thoroughly before storing it for the winter to prevent rust and ensure it starts up easily in the spring.


Following this fall yard cleanup checklist will ensure your landscape remains healthy and vibrant all year. If the tasks seem overwhelming or you need professional help, contact Stoney Acres. Our team is ready to handle all your fall cleanup needs and help you create a stunning landscape for every season.

Looking to start your fall cleanup today? Contact us for a consultation or to schedule your seasonal maintenance service!