Fall Yard Cleanup: Outdoor Prep for a Healthy Landscape
As autumn sets in, outdoor cleanup ensures your yard survives winter and flourishes in spring. Tasks like raking leaves, pruning, and protecting perennials not only improve curb appeal but also safeguard the long-term health of your lawn and garden (Old Farmer’s Almanac).
1) Manage Leaves Effectively
Don’t let leaves smother the lawn. Rake or mulch them weekly. Shredded leaves can be worked into soil or composted to enrich garden beds (Penn State Extension).
2) Prune Selectively
Prune diseased, broken, or crossing branches from trees and shrubs. Wait until late fall to avoid triggering new growth vulnerable to frost (Gardening Know How).
3) Prep the Lawn
Fall is prime time to aerate compacted soil, overseed bare patches, and apply a final fertilizer. This strengthens roots and improves resilience through the cold months (Scotts Lawn Care).
4) Protect Perennials & Bulbs
Cut back dead foliage on perennials, then mulch to insulate roots. Plant spring bulbs like tulips and daffodils before the ground freezes (Better Homes & Gardens).
5) Winterize Outdoor Water
Drain hoses, shut off outdoor faucets, and blow out sprinkler systems to avoid frozen pipes and costly repairs (NC State Extension).
6) Store Tools & Furniture
Clean and oil garden tools before storing. Protect patio furniture with breathable covers or move it indoors to avoid moisture damage (Consumer Reports).
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I bag leaves or mulch them?
Mulching is often best—it recycles nutrients back into the soil and saves landfill space (Penn State Extension).
When should I fertilize the lawn in fall?
Apply fertilizer once soil temperatures cool but before the ground freezes, usually late fall (Scotts).
Do all shrubs need pruning in fall?
No. Avoid pruning spring-flowering shrubs until after they bloom next year; just remove dead or diseased wood now (Gardening Know How).