Last update: 05-10-2022 Home & Garden

Fall Landscaping 101 - Best Fall Yard Clean Up & Maintenance Tips

The end of summer and the beginning of fall is the perfect time to clean up the yard. There's usually a lot to do in autumn. One can pick fruits in the backyard orchard and tidy the beds of plants that finished blooming. Learn how to plan all your autumn garden jobs, so you don't get confused. Also, check what tools might be useful.

Why is it important to clean up the yard in fall?

Both spring and autumn are two most critical seasons for your yard. Are you wondering why? In spring, the garden has to be prepared, so the plants can grow properly. But starting the season is much easier if one had taken care of the yard in autumn. Thanks to it, the wintering processes are also generally better.

Autumn gardening also means harvesting the crops, especially if any fruit trees grow on the property. Typical fruits gathered during that time include:

• apples,
• plums,
• quinces,
• late raspberry varieties,
• blackberries,
• peaches,
• pears.

If you have a lot of trees growing in your yard, especially coniferous species, and the soil is moderately damp, there’s a chance some edible mushrooms will appear as well.

Fall lawn maintenance – take care of the last mowing

As fall takes over the garden, all growth processes slow down. It means that you don’t have to mow the lawn every week anymore. But don’t neglect this chore completely. You can do it less frequently, though. The last mowing before winter is very important – usually, it should be done by the end of October. One has to make sure the grass blades aren’t too long.

After you mow the lawn for the last time, you can also decide to dethatch it. Thanks to this process, the soil gets looser and can “rest” before the new spring season.

Of course, the first thing to do is cleaning up the property from any debris such as:

• moss,
• fallen leaves,
• small branches,
• dead flowers.

You can use tools such as a classic rake or a leaf blower. A branch grinder might a great help – it grinds the elements, so it’s easier to compost them.

Fall landscaping – tidy the flower beds

Many people believe that fall garden care concerns only beds with annual plants. It’s true that they typically require the most work. It’s because one has to first remove residues of plants and weeds from the soil, and then fertilize it.

But it doesn’t mean that spots where perennials grow don’t require attention. On the contrary. Most species need protection from low temperatures. You can use agrotextile for this purpose. Before securing the plants, water them generously. The soil will retain the moisture throughout the entire winter.

Autumn gardening – pruning shrubs and trees

Fall in the garden is also the time for taking care of ornamental shrubs and trees. Most of them require pruning their branches, so they grow into a particular shape. What are the best tools for this purpose? Classic shears are a perfect option for small branches. What about thick tree limbs that died back and have to be removed? Specific devices, e.g., a saw will come in handy in such cases.

Fall landscaping – it’s not just cleaning!

An end of season garden clean up is very important. But remember that autumn is also a good time for planting certain plant species. Certain perennial flowers or trees require being planted during this time. But it has to be done early enough, so they have a chance to take root before the first frost. So, when to do it? As estimated, no later than the end of October, or, if the weather is good, at the beginning of November.

What plants can be planted in October? Most importantly:

• hyacinths,
• daffodils,
• crocuses,
• lilies,
• barberries.

Fall is also a great time to plant a pine, a spruce, or a juniper in the yard.

The best tools for easy fall yard maintenance

Autumn garden jobs are much easier is you use special tools to do them. Here are the most basic ones:

• rakes,
• hoes,
• shovels,
• shears,
• clippers.

If your budget allows it, you can also purchase a leaf blower or a branch grinder.

Also, don’t forget to clean all the tools and devices before winter. Thanks to this, you can decrease the risk of rust appearing on their parts. Plus, they will be ready to use in spring.

📍 What to plant in fall in the garden?

Many people don't know that autumn is a perfect time to plant certain flowers, shrubs, and trees. As for flowering plants, you can decide to plant crocuses, daffodils, hyacinths, and barberries. Fall is also a good time to plant pines, spruces and junipers. Interestingly enough, fruit trees can also be planted during fall, e.g., gooseberry and blackcurrant.

📍 What are the essential items on a fall gardening to-do list?

Fall is the time when plants are being prepared for their winter rest. Annuals that finished blooming have to be removed, trees and shrubs pruned. One also has to mow the lawn and remove any leaves and branches from it. Some plants require protection from low temperatures.

📍 How to recognize fall in the garden?

Fall in the garden can be recognized by decayed plants, but also by a change in colors. The leaves of trees and shrubs become yellow or brown. Time also stops for them, and perennials cease their growth.

📍 Why is fall in the garden so lovely?

Fall has its unique charm, which is hard to deny. Many people love autumn for the harvest it brings – that's when many fruits are gathered. Others adore autumnal colors. Some people appreciate the time when the garden can rest and regenerate.