Fall Cleanup Tips

Oct 2

Fall Yard Cleanup Checklist

This checklist focuses on the essential steps to protect your home, deter pests, and set your lawn and garden up for a healthy spring.

Clear Debris and Prune: Clear leaves and weeds from flower and rose beds to prevent disease and deter pests. Trim dead, damaged, or out-of-place tree and shrub branches to reduce the risk of winter storm damage.
Clean the Vegetable Garden: After the final harvest, pull old plants. Prep the soil by aerating it with a broadfork (skip the tiller) and leaving fallen leaves to decompose as natural, nutrient-rich mulch.
Divide Perennials: Divide spring/early-summer bloomers (like hostas or daylilies) now to spread growth and save time next spring. (Wait until spring for fall-bloomers like chrysanthemums).
Protect Sensitive Plants: In zones where freezing is likely, apply extra mulch to the base of cold-sensitive perennials and roses. Wrap plants in a cloth or plastic barrier if needed.
Plant for Spring: Plant spring-blooming bulbs (hyacinth) and new shrubs 6–8 weeks before the first hard freeze. Add fall annuals (pansies) for immediate color.

Aerate the Lawn: Break up compacted soil to ensure nutrients and water reach the roots over winter. Use a garden fork or rent an aerator.
Feed the Lawn: Apply a high-phosphorous fall fertilizer to encourage deep root growth, ensuring a lush, green lawn in spring.
Rake and Mulch Leaves: Rake leaves to prevent grass suffocation. Shred them with your mower to create beneficial mulch for flower beds and shrubs, adding nutrients and insulation.
Give It One Last Mow: Set your mower to a low height for the final cut. This helps the soil dry out faster when spring returns.

Clean Out Gutters and Downspouts: Clear leaves and debris before heavy rains or snow to prevent blockages, which can lead to foundation damage and basement flooding.
Dry and Store Water Systems: Drain all water from hoses, fountains, and irrigation lines. Most critically, blow out your sprinkler system with pressurized air to prevent freezing and pipe corrosion.
Protect the Deck and Walkways: Power wash your deck, patios, and walkways to remove mold/mildew. Apply a weatherproofing stain to the deck, and consider a non-slip coating for steps to prevent winter slips.
Clean and Secure Tools: Disinfect all gardening tools (pruners, shovels) before storing to prevent the spread of plant disease. Securely lock up sheds or storage boxes to protect your investment.

Replace bulbs in outdoor lighting and add motion lights for increased security.
Winterize fire pits and grills to prevent rust and deter pests.
Check fences and gates for weak posts before heavy snow or wind arrives.
Seal openings in sheds and garages for pest prevention.
Stock up on ice melt and clear pathways for easy access during the first snow or ice event.

Nate Ryther