What to Do During This Year’s Fall Yard Clean Up

Caring for your landscaping shouldn’t stop when summer ends. Fall is the perfect time to get a head start on a healthy bloom next year. With proper preparation and clean-up, you can save yourself time and energy when spring rolls around. Take advantage of the cooler weather and minimal outdoor work by following our fall cleanup musts.

Clean Up Your Garden
After your final harvest, it is time to dig up old plants and remove debris. Removing dead and unwanted garden inhabitants will give more space to healthy greenery. It is also a good idea to add a layer of compost to help nurture your soil for planting next spring. If you’re looking to start a compost, visit our post for easy steps to a DIY backyard compost.

Plant Fall Bulbs
Planting bulbs in the fall will ensure tons of color in the spring. They’re cost-effective and easily fill up empty space. We recommend planting in groups of three or five right when before it gets cold for the best color in the spring.

Weed and Fertilize
Send your lawn into winter with the nutrients it’ll need to survive the long months. Weeding and fertilizing before it gets cold will promote root growth and result in a lush green yard in the spring. Additionally, it will give much-needed protection when the ice and snow come around.

Protect Trees and Shrubs
Give each and every plant what it needs to survive the winter. Take precautionary measures based on your home’s weather conditions. Apply Wilt Pruf to sensitive plants that don’t do well in extreme winter temperatures. Also, consider covering delicate trees and shrubs with a wooden structure or burlap to protect them from the cold and heavy snow.

Aerate
It is important to aerate your yard to help guarantee that your grass will stay healthy over the winter. Aeration alleviates lawn compaction and allows air, water and nutrients to penetrate the grassroots all year long.

Prune
Be sure to cut back any overgrown trees and bushes before going into winter. Because nothing will be blooming for a while, it’s a good time to trim and shape plants. Although it can be intimidating, pruning plants actually promotes healthy growth and will save you time in the spring. For more information on the proper trimming techniques, visit our post.

Clean and Store Tools
Drain out the lawnmower, turn off the hose and clean your garden tools before storing them for winter. With a quick wipe down and a light coat of oil, you can protect tools from rusting during the cold season.

Don’t wait till spring, be proactive this fall season! Spending time on these simple backyard projects is sure to bring a better bloom and keep your yard healthy year after year.