Taking the time to clean up your yard in the fall can make a big difference the following winter and spring. Here are some tips to get you started.
Clean debris and remove thatch buildup.
- Leaves and weeds should be removed, otherwise, pests like mice and groundhogs will make themselves at home.
Rake the leaves.
- If leaves are left on the ground, they’ll create a cover that will smother the lawn all winter long. Raking the leaves will help you avoid dead patches when spring comes around.
Till the garden.
- Vegetables that are left in your garden can rot and become a home to mold and insect eggs.
Trim branches.
- Cut away any cracked, loose, or diseased limbs on trees and shrubbery. If left unchecked, winter winds and heavy snow can break them off, potentially causing damage to your home and yard.
Aerate
- Help water, air, and fertilizer get down into the soil. Lawns can become compacted after heavy use during the hot summer months, which will starve the roots and can prevent future growth.
Fertilize the lawn.
- Fertilizing will help your lawn to recover from the long hot summer as well as protect it from the cold later on.
Plant bulbs, shrubs, and fall annuals
- Fall is the perfect time to plant spring-flowering bulbs such as tulips and daffodils.
Clean and store tools
- While you’re at it, go ahead and give the yard tools a tune-up. Wipe them down and apply a layer of oil to keep them from rusting.
