Fall is the time to clean up your act! Here are some great ideas on how to clean up your lawn this fall.
For Your Lawn and Landscape:
- Keep leaves raked or mulched to prevent smothering your lawn, and to clear the ground for any final fertilization or mowing that’s needed.
- "Harden off" your lawn by mowing the grass shorter.
- Clean up debris in shrub and flower beds for a neater look and less work in the spring.
- Continue to water when it’s very dry.
- Remove expired annuals and prepare planting beds for next year.
- Prune summer blooming perennials, trees and shrubs. Avoid pruning spring-blooming shrubs and trees, as they have already set their blooms and you’ll lose the display if you prune now.
- Plant hardy spring bulbs now for a glorious display in the spring.
Around the House:
- Clean out gutters and be sure downspouts are working properly.
- Disconnect and drain water hoses and store inside.
- Avoid broken planting containers by either bringing them indoors, covering them against the weather elements or emptying them for winter.
- Set up bird feeding and water stations.
- Winterize mowers and other lawn equipment by making sure gasoline is burned from any gas-powered equipment (this helps keep the lines and carburetor clear). If your mower needs repair, now is the time, before storing it.
For further reading, view the rest of our fall lawn care tips.