Fall Cleanup

Get Your Lawn & Garden Fall-Ready with These Fun Cleanup Tips!

As autumn arrives, it's time to give your lawn and garden a little fall flair! Here’s your 8-point checklist to prep your outdoor space for winter while enjoying the crisp air:

1. Leaf It to Me: Clean Up Time! Time to embrace the autumn vibe and tackle that leaf pile! Grab your gloves and start clearing out fallen leaves, stray twigs, and any leftover summer debris. Make it a fun activity—maybe even turn it into a game of "who can find the most acorns!"

2. Trim the Tree-tops Fall is the perfect time to prune away those damaged and dead branches from trees and shrubs. Shape up your hedges and bushes to keep them healthy and ready for a fresh start in spring. It’s like giving your garden a little haircut!

3. Compost Like a Champ Turn your yard waste into garden gold! Collect those fallen leaves and old mulch, toss them into your compost pile, and let nature work its magic. Shred larger branches to speed up the process and give the pile a good mix every few weeks. You’ll have rich compost to nourish your garden next year!

4. Flower Bed Prep for Winter Enrich your flower beds with a fresh layer of compost. It’s a simple way to improve your soil and give your plants a cozy blanket for winter. While you’re at it, pull out any weeds trying to crash the party and prepare your beds for the upcoming season.

5. Fall Planting Fun Autumn is a great time to plant hardy shrubs and trees. You can also add fall-blooming perennials for a burst of color before winter sets in. Just wait until the soil isn’t too cold and be sure to research the best planting times for your new additions.

6. Weed and Pest Patrol Keep weeds and pests at bay with some fall eco-friendly preemergent herbicides. Apply these before weeds start their fall invasion—ideally when the soil temperature is still warm. It’s a great way to set yourself up for a weed-free spring!

7. Prune with Purpose Prune your shrubs once they’ve finished blooming to keep them in tip-top shape. Be mindful of those late-bloomers like Lavender and Rose of Sharon, and wait until their show is over. Your shrubs will thank you in the spring!

8. Mulch Magic As you clear out old mulch, check if your perennials are starting to emerge. Remove mulch that might be smothering them and replace it as needed before winter arrives. This will help your garden stay healthy and vibrant.

9. Reseed and Rejuvenate Your Lawn Fall is a fantastic time to address any lawn spots that need a little extra love. Test your soil’s pH, fix any issues, and reseed damaged areas. September to early October is prime time for this—plus, you can kickstart crabgrass control and fertilizing before winter.

10. Patios and Walkways Makeover Winter can be tough on patios and walkways. Fall is your chance to rake up any loose gravel or mulch, replace what’s worn out, and repair any broken pavers. Give them a fresh look to greet the new season!

Follow these fun fall cleanup tips, and your lawn and garden will be prepped and ready to cozy up for winter!