man-raking-autumn-leaves-as-part-of-fall-landscaping-checklist-for-your-home

As a homeowner, you may think that once the temperature starts to drop that your weekly chores of outdoor landscaping are over. However, that is quite far from the truth. The hard work of outdoor landscaping is far from over. In order to have another successful spring and summer season next year, you need to prep and protect your lawn and landscaping for the brutal cold month to come during the winter season. How do you do that? Use our Fall Landscaping Checklist to make sure you hit all the important parts of prepping your lawn and landscaping for the upcoming year. 

  • Test the Soil

    Many people believe you can only test your soil in the spring, but fall is one of the best times to do this. Testing your soil for pH levels and specific nutrients before the winter season is helpful because you then know what you need to change immediately to prep it for the following year.  

  • Mow the Lawn

    You should mow your lawn as late in the season as possible. Cutting down your lawn one last time before colder weather will help to preserve it. Cutting it shorter can also help to prevent lawn disease and pest damage.  

  • Winterize the Lawn Mower

    Prep your lawn mower for winter by draining your oil, replacing our air filter, sharpening your blade if necessary, and giving the machine a deep clean.  

  • Winterize the Landscaping Tools

    It’s important to wash and store away your garden and landscaping tools for the winter season to protect them and lengthen their lifespan.  

  • Plant Spring Blooms

    You can get a head start for next year’s beautiful spring garden by planting seeds that will grow over the winter. Popular seeds that grow throughout the winter are tulips, daffodils, cornflowers, and hyacinths.  

  • Trim Dead Limbs

    Go around your property and trim dead limbs and branches. This prevents them from snapping throughout the winter from cold weather conditions and snowfall. It can help prevent damage to your property, cleanup, and even accidental injuries. 

  • Rake the Leaves

    Rake up the fallen autumn leaves. Leaving them on your lawn for the winter can decrease air flow to your lawn and end up suffocating it. This can also lead to dead spots on your lawn, or other mold or lawn disease.  

  • Pull the Weeds

    Instead of waiting for Spring to start pulling those annoying weeds, pull them in the fall to lessen the workload. 

  • Turn Off the Water

    It’s important to remember to turn off any outdoor water sources to prevent your pipes from freezing during the winter season. 

  • Clean the Gutters

    Remember to give your gutters a deep clean before the winter comes. Removing any built-up leaves or debris will allow for water to flow freely in your gutters and decrease the chance of clogs or damage.