How to Prepare Your Yard for Fall

It is time to start thinking about fall yard care! Taking care of your yard now will not only keep it looking its best until winter hits, but will leave you with less work in the spring. Proper care can also help your plants get a restful winter slumber and come back full of force in the new growing season. Here are some helpful tips on how to prepare your yard for fall so it always looks its best.

How to Prepare Your Yard for Fall

1. Set your mower blades appropriately.
You are free to keep mowing as long as your grass is growing. You do want to lower the blade as the growth slows. For your last mow of the season, your blade should be set on the lowest setting. While most people fear that low setting, you will find that it helps your grass get the last bits of sunlight of the season.

2. Remove all fallen leaves.
Whip out the leaf blower and remove all leaves from the grass and shrubs. Leaving them there can cause them to smother your plants and grass, so remove them quickly so they don’t have the chance to get wet and heavy. You can discard your leaves or grind them into mulch for your flower beds.

3. Give your lawn some air.
Fall is an excellent time to aerate the lawn so it gets the air it needs to be healthy. You can rent machines to do this job or even do it yourself with aerating shoes. An aerated yard can look a little rough with the dirt and grass plugs all over, but it will be well worth it come spring when your yard looks lush.

4. Seed those bare spots.
It is not too late to seed spots that aren’t looking their best. Apply seed while the weather is cool but well before the first frost of the season. Water your seeded areas well so the seed has a good chance to take and get established.

5. Fertilize.
Fall is the best time to fertilize your lawn. The cool and agreeable temps are ideal for fertilizer. Fertilize your lawn with mixtures found at your local home improvement center. They should be able to help you choose a mixture idea for your grass type.

6. Practice plant care.
Cut back shrubs and bushes so they grow back fuller in the spring. In most cases you can cut back any new growth and that should do the trick. Dead head any flowering plants or bushes at this time as well. Remove any annuals from the ground and discard. When done, feel free to get those fall bulbs into the ground.

7. Tend to decorative items.
Now is the time to give outdoor furniture a good scrub and cover it up with a protective sheet. Or, you can bring it indoors at this time. Clean your bird feeders well and restock them for the winter months. Now is also a good time to clean out water fountains and bring them in for storage.

When you keep these 7 tips in mind, you can enjoy a yard that will look its best and perform well for you this spring. Give these tips for how to care for your yard this fall a try and see how beautiful your yard can be.