As the leaves start to turn and pumpkin spice takes over the world, it’s easy to forget about your yard until spring. But if you’re a homeowner—or hoping to sell your home—fall is actually the perfect time to give your landscaping some love.
A well-maintained yard not only boosts curb appeal but also sets the stage for a healthier, greener lawn come spring.
Here are some practical (and easy!) fall landscaping tips to keep your yard looking fantastic right up until the first snowfall:
1. Keep On Raking (Even After the Leaves Stop Falling)
It’s tempting to stop raking once the majority of the leaves have fallen—but don’t put away the rake just yet! A thick layer of leaves can suffocate your lawn, trap moisture, and encourage mold or pests. Try mulching some leaves with your mower instead—this returns nutrients to the soil and gives your grass a boost. For some more helpful information about leaf mulching you can check out this article!
2. Give Your Lawn One Last Mow
You might also be ready to retire your lawnmower for the season, but your grass still needs one last cut! Keep it about 2.5 to 3 inches tall—shorter grass can be stressed by cold, while longer grass can become matted under snow and harbor disease.
3. Feed Your Grass Before It Sleeps
Don’t we all love a good meal before a long nap? Fall is the ideal time to fertilize your lawn. A slow-release, nitrogen-rich fertilizer will help roots grow deep and strong, preparing your grass for winter dormancy and a healthy rebound in the spring.
4. Prune With Purpose
Now’s the time to trim back overgrown shrubs, remove dead branches, and shape your trees. Not only does this tidy up your yard, but it also prevents winter breakage caused by snow and ice buildup. Just be careful—don’t over-prune flowering plants that bloom on old wood, like hydrangeas or lilacs.
5. Plant for Spring
Believe it or not, fall is planting season! Cooler temps and moist soil help bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and crocuses settle in before winter. You’ll thank yourself when your yard bursts into color next spring—just as your neighbors are still shaking off winter.
6. Mulch Like a Pro
Adding a fresh layer of mulch around trees, flower beds, and shrubs helps regulate soil temperature, retain moisture, and reduce weed growth. Use natural mulch (like bark or wood chips), and don’t pile it up against the trunks—no “mulch volcanoes,” please!
7. Clean Up Garden Beds
Clear out any spent annuals, trim perennials, and pull out weeds. Leaving dead plant material can invite pests and diseases. A clean garden bed is a happy one—and it’ll make your spring prep much easier.
8. Don’t Forget the Watering
If your area isn’t getting much rain, keep watering your lawn and plants until the ground freezes. Fall watering helps roots stay hydrated and healthy through the cold months.
Time to Dig In!
Fall landscaping doesn’t have to be a chore—it’s your chance to tidy up, plan ahead, and enjoy the beauty of the season. Whether you’re nesting for winter or getting ready to sell, a little effort now can make a big impact later.
Need more advice on getting your home ready before listing? Contact me anytime—I’m here to help you make the most of every season.
