Fallen leaves are a beautiful symbol of autumn, but a thick layer blanketing your lawn can be detrimental. Here’s why:

• Stifles Grass Growth: A dense layer of leaves blocks sunlight and airflow, hindering your lawn’s ability to absorb essential nutrients and breathe. This can lead to weak, patchy grass come spring.
• Breeds Pests and Diseases: A damp, leafy haven is an open invitation for unwanted guests like slugs, snails, and fungus. These can wreak havoc on your remaining plants and even attract unwanted critters like mice and voles.
• Creates Drainage Issues: A thick layer of leaves can impede water drainage, leading to puddles and potential damage to walkways, patios, and even your home’s foundation.

Many flowering plants reach their peak in summer. As fall approaches, it’s time to deadhead spent blooms and prune overgrown branches. Here’s the benefit:

• Encourages New Growth: Deadheading spent flowers prevents them from going to seed and redirects the plant’s energy towards stronger roots and healthier growth next spring.
• Improves Plant Shape: Pruning encourages bushier growth and promotes better airflow within the plant, reducing the risk of disease.
• Prepares for Winter: Removing dead or diseased branches prevents them from breaking under heavy snowfall or winter winds.

Your vegetable garden has likely yielded its bounty throughout the summer. Now’s the time to prepare it for next season’s harvest:

• Clear Out Debris: Remove spent plants, weeds, and any remaining vegetables. Compost what you can and dispose of the rest responsibly.
• Till the Soil: Lightly tilling the soil aerates it, breaks up compacted areas, and helps incorporate any compost you’ve added.
• Plan for Spring: Research cool-weather crops that can be planted in fall or early spring, depending on your climate.

Fall is a great time to address overgrown shrubs and trees:

• Shape Up Shrubs: Lightly prune shrubs to maintain their desired shape and size. This also promotes better air circulation and allows more sunlight to reach the interior branches.
• Trim for Safety: Remove any dead, diseased, or overhanging branches that could pose a hazard during winter storms.

A thorough fall clean-up goes beyond plants and flower beds:

• Clean Up Patio Furniture: Pack away patio furniture or clean and cover it for winter storage. This protects your furniture from harsh weather elements.
• Clear Out Gutters: Remove leaves and debris from your gutters to prevent clogging and potential water damage to your roof and foundation.
• Sharpen Lawn Mower Blades: Before storing your lawn mower for the winter, sharpen the blades to ensure a clean cut come spring.

Taking the time for a fall clean-up may seem like extra work, but it’s a rewarding investment in your yard’s health and beauty. A clean and well-maintained yard not only looks better throughout the winter but also sets the stage for a vibrant and flourishing landscape come spring. So, grab your rake, gloves, and a cup of your favorite fall beverage, and enjoy the process of preparing your yard for the changing seasons!