Three Tasks to Complete to Prepare Your Yard for Fall

With the chillier temperatures arriving in fall, it is the perfect time to think ahead and protect your yard. There are many gardening tasks that people complete from September to November, including planting new bulbs and removing annuals from containers. Still, these will do very little to prepare your yard effectively.

Instead, you should make some time for jobs that can keep your yard healthy and safe when the weather changes. Fortunately, this post outlines three of the main tasks you should consider to prepare your yard for fall.

Prune Trees and Shrubs

One of the largest tasks you need to undertake when preparing your backyard for fall is pruning shrubs and trees. The best time to begin this process is after the leaves have fallen, around October, before the first hard frost, when the plant is dormant. This will mean there is minimal stress from pruning, and the better health and shape will allow for improved air circulation and light penetration.

You should begin by focusing on removing damaged, dead, or diseased branches from the trees and shrubs. It is also best to thin out overcrowded areas. There are other aspects to consider, such as crossing or rubbing branches that could damage the bark, when determining what to prune.

To do this, you will require sharp, clean tools to avoid damaging the plants and promote healthy growth. Pruning shears, loppers, and saws are good tools to consider buying or renting for this task. A pruning chainsaw might be worthwhile if you are dealing with larger trees, although you should ensure it is in good condition by using a chainsaw sharpener.

Mow and Care for the Lawn

The lawn will require preparation for winter dormancy, so you must mow and care for it ahead of time. Regularly mowing your lawn, raking it to remove leaves, and feeding it with a fall lawn feed can all contribute to a much healthier lawn come spring. This is vital if your lawn has been damaged throughout the previous seasons by heat or foot traffic.

Lawn growth will begin to slow down as the year goes on, so the mower blade height should be increased to protect the grass and its roots. You should only mow the grass when it is dry to prevent harming the blades, which might need sharpening regularly to avoid further damage and disease. Fortunately, the lawn should be mowed less frequently during this time.

Other tasks to carry out when caring for your lawn include clearing away fallen leaves, controlling weed growth, and spiking the soil to improve airflow and drainage.

Clear the Gutters

Clogged gutters can cause serious problems for a house, but you can avoid these issues by cleaning them out before fall. Leaves, moss, and twigs, which are often blown or washed onto the roof, can accumulate in gutters and lead to ice dams. Ice dams will cause water to back up and could even damage your roof and the house’s foundation if left unchecked.

As removing leaves and other debris from gutters can be dangerous, it is important to prioritize safety. This means using a sturdy ladder and a stabilizer to prevent gutter damage. If you are using a gutter scoop to remove debris, then you will also need to protect your hands with gloves and your eyes with safety goggles. You can then flush the gutters with the garden hose.

To conclude, when fall comes around, the weather can take a sudden turn. This is why it is vital to prepare your yard for the colder months ahead of time. Thankfully, this post has provided you with three key tasks to complete to do just that.

also read: Healthy Homes Begin with Thorough Mold Inspections