As the vibrant colors of summer fade away, it's time to shift our focus to fall lawn and garden maintenance. With a checklist in hand, we can ensure that our outdoor spaces stay healthy and beautiful throughout the colder months. It's crucial to take care of our lawns, trees, shrubs, and gardens during this "second spring" after summer.

Steps for Maintaining Your Lawn & Landscaping

1. Rake your leaves

Clearing leaves from your lawn is an essential fall maintenance task. Pro Tip:  You can rake fallen leaves and mow over them to add nutrients to the soil. This not only improves the appearance of your yard but also prevents potential issues caused by matted-down, decaying leaves. 

2. Trim perennial shrubs, trees and plants

Trimming perennials, trees, and shrubs is a crucial task for maintaining a healthy and beautiful yard. You can use a hedge trimmer to speed up this process. It's also important to remove dead, diseased, and damaged stems as soon as they are noticed to promote overall plant health. By trimming these plants at the right time, you can encourage more blooms and stronger growth in the spring.

3. Eliminate weeds

Additionally, you should eliminate broadleaf weeds with selective herbicides and continue mowing until the grass stops growing. There are some 3-in-1 weed, seed and fertilize mixes and many 2-in-1 weed and seed mixes that eliminate many steps and make your lawn look lush and full.

If you need more localized weed killing like in sidewalk or driveway cracks, you can get a spray such as Round-Up to kill weeds and crabgrass.

4. Reseed your grass

Fall and winter are also ideal for seeding, especially in areas with milder winters. If you live in an area with harsher winters, you want to plant earlier (September to early October) to give the grass seed time to take root.

5. Fertilize your lawn

To ensure a healthy and vibrant lawn in the spring, consider fertilizing. Fall is an ideal time for lawn fertilization as the grass absorbs and stores nutrients during the dormant period. By providing the necessary nutrients, you can promote strong root development and prepare your lawn for the upcoming growing season.

FAQ

Question: How do you know which all-in-one mix to use for your lawn?

Answer: The type of mix will vary depending on your soil type, weed type, and where you live. Each bag has a different ratio of nutrients. A professional nursery or gardening center will be able to direct you to the best options for your area. There is still some trial-and-error involved with the ratios.

Pro Tip: To reduce some of the guess work, use a Soil Test Kit to identify exactly what your soil needs.

To speed up the weeding, seeding, fertilizer process, purchase a seed spreader. They are easy to use and help evenly spread the mixture.

6. Plant bulbs

September and October are also the ideal months to plant spring flowering bulbs. There are many varieties and options. Keep an eye out for a future post expanding on this topic.

7. Add mulch

Adding mulch after the ground freezes will provide insulation for the plants. This may stop them from dying in the winter if you live in an area with harsh winters.

Here is an article that expands on mulching: Should you Mulch in the Winter

Bonus Tip: Inspect & fill bird feeders and squirrel feeders

Fall is a great time to attract birds to your yard. Inspect your bird feeders for any damage and ensure they are clean and in good working condition. Once you start feeding birds, it's important to continue doing so regularly throughout the winter months. Providing food for birds not only enhances your outdoor space but also supports local wildlife. 

Did you know squirrels don’t hibernate? You can also purchase a squirrel feeder and enjoy them all season long. 

Here is an article if you want to build your own: How to Make a Squirrel Feeder

Winterize Your Yard Tools & Prepare Your Winter Gear

8. Winterize your yard equipment for storage

As you transition to the fall season, it's time to prepare your yard equipment for storage. Drain fuel from all gas-operated equipment such as lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and chain saws. Properly storing your equipment will prevent fuel-related issues and ensure they are in good working condition when you need them again.

Take a moment to disconnect the battery in your lawn mower and battery-operated tools. When batteries are completely drained, it can reduce the lifespan of the battery.  

Here is an article to help you get the job done: How to Winterize Your Lawn Mower in 9 Easy Steps

9. Drain & store garden hoses

To prevent freezing and potential damage to your exterior pipes and faucets, drain your garden hoses and store them inside. There are a number of ways to store garden hoses out of the elements if you don’t have room in your garage or shed. It's also advisable to shut off outdoor water valves in cold weather. By taking these precautions, you can avoid costly repairs caused by frozen and burst pipes.

10. Check snow equipment & gear

Before the first snowfall, it's essential to check that all your snow equipment is up and running. Inspect your shovels, roof rakes, and snow blowers, and make sure they are easily accessible. Proper organization of your snow clearing gear will save you time and effort when the snow arrives. Be mindful of where you store your equipment, as extreme temperatures can affect their performance and longevity. 

Take a moment to check your supply of ice melt. If you are low, keep an eye out for when it arrives in the store. You might find a good deal! It’s nice to have it on hand when rain freezes and the snow arrives.

Not all ice melt is created equal. Some can burn your pet’s paws, damage your deck or damage your cement walkways and driveways. Make sure to read the details.

Bonus Tip: Organize your garage

As summer comes to an end, it's time to clean and organize your garage. Properly store your summer garden tools and make sure they are in good condition for next year. Keeping your garage organized will make it easier to find and access your snow equipment and seasonal decorations when needed.

Fall Maintenance Checklist

Download your Fall Maintenance Checklist below. The goal is to help your fall and winter run a little smoother. Start prepping your home for the changing season. With a little time and effort, you can ensure that your home is ready for whatever Mother Nature has in store. Happy fall!

Proper fall lawn and garden maintenance is essential for a healthy and attractive outdoor space throughout the year. By following this list, you can keep your lawn lush and healthy. Additionally, you can ensure the integrity of your equipment is maintained during the winter months. Remember, a little effort in the fall will go a long way in maintaining a beautiful yard.

If you are unsure how to maintain your lawn or tools or don’t want to hassle with this maintenance, consider hiring Simler Solutions LLC or a local professional to do the job for you.