10 Fall Clean-up Tips

This summer has been hot and dry. You may have had it with your lawn. After summer winds down, many homeowners tend to put lawn care on the back burner until spring blooms anew. While this is a natural reaction to a new season, taking the time to put your lawn and landscape “to bed” in the fall will help you reap the rewards next growing season. Give your lawn a healthy start next spring by managing these 10 fall tasks.

#1 Feed your lawn

Think of fall fertilization as refueling and replenishing your lawn after a long, hot summer. Fall fertilization will help maintain your lawn’s root health and replenish nutrients that were expended in the summer months. Fall feedings should be timed when plants are still absorbing nutrients, so don’t wait too long. Depending on your region, fall feeding can take place beginning on Labor Day or into early October.

#2 Remember to water 

Before you put away that watering can and retire your sprinklers for the season, remember that thriving plants are still thirsty. Water early in the day to avoid evaporation and disease development. And don’t forget to water deeply: when you see moisture soak into the soil of container plants and beds, more water is likely needed.

#3 Air out the soil

Thatch build-up and foot traffic can compact soil, which cuts off oxygen and nutrient supply to the lawn’s root zone. Core aeration loosens soil and airs out the earth. Soil plugs that are removed can be left on the lawn – these will eventually break down and provide an extra dose of nutrients to your lawn. Balding turf, matted-down grass, sparse new growth, pools of water, and tough ground are signs you need to aerate.

#4 Pick-up leaves

Cleaning your lawn of leaves and sticks will prevent heavy, wet foliage from suffocating the turf. Although colorful leaves may look pretty, dark, moist environments are breeding grounds for potential disease on your lawn. Picking them up before winter hits will save you a disaster come spring!

#5 Last mow of the year

For the last cut of the season, you should make sure you are cutting low. You may even be mowing into November in some places. If the grass is growing, you should be mowing! The turf growing process will definitely be much slower this time of the season so make certain you’re cutting short.

#6 Level and reseed

Start spring on level ground by filling in ruts and low spots where water collects now. Early fall is the best time to reseed a lawn so that turf roots establish before winter. Loosen the soil with a dethatching rake, add a soil amendment, and evenly apply seed.

#7 Clean your gutters!

Cleaning your gutters from buildup and leaves is very important! When you don’t clean them, you are putting your property at risk for many severe damages. Leaking and flooding are more common at this time of year due to heavy rainfall and future snow buildup. If left untreated, you can damage your roof and risk water damage inside your home.

#8 Plant fall bulbs

Plant in fall to enjoy spring’s first blooms - crocus, daffodil, tulip. The best time to plant is after the first frost so the bulbs will stay cool all winter. Dig holes for bulbs and fertilize before replacing soil.

#9 Clean-up

If you have a shed, this is the time you want to store your items for winter. Wash down your patio furniture and get ready to store them away for the colder months ahead! Sweep and wash your veranda to get rid of dirt and build up and tidy up your belongings.