The days are getting shorter, but there’s still work to do before we say goodbye to our gardens for the winter. That’s why we’re giving you a free Fall Landscaping Chore Checklist to prepare your outdoor space for the colder months. Get ready to protect, preserve, and prep your landscape for a flourishing return in spring!
Use Our Free Guide: The Fall Landscaping Chore Checklist
1. Collect Fallen Leaves
Clear your lawn of fallen leaves. Leaving them can smother the grass, preventing light and air from reaching it.
2. Trim Shrubs, Bushes and Trees
Pruning back your greenery promotes healthy growth in the spring and can prevent any winter damage.
3. Prune Perennials
Cutting back your perennials can make the garden look tidy and give the plants a better start next spring.
4. Clean Garden and Flower Beds
Remove weeds and debris from your garden beds to prepare them for next year’s planting season.
5. Mow the Lawn (Last of the Season)
Give your lawn one last trim before winter, but be careful not to cut it too short to prevent damage from cold weather.
6. Aerate Your Lawn
Aerating your lawn helps water, oxygen, and nutrients reach the grass roots more effectively, ensuring a lush lawn next year.
7. Seed Your Lawn
Seeding in the fall gives new grass a head start for the spring, filling in bare spots and creating a thicker lawn.
8. Fertilize Your Lawn
Late fall is the perfect time to fertilize. It promotes strong root growth and helps your grass recover from the summer.
9. Plant New Trees and Shrubs
Fall is the ideal time to plant trees and shrubs, giving them a chance to establish roots before winter.
10. Lay New or Replace Mulch
Mulch acts as a protective blanket for your garden, helping retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
11. Drain Any Water Features
Avoid damage from freezing temperatures by draining your water features before winter sets in.
12. Close Your Irrigation System
Protect your irrigation system by shutting it down and draining all water to prevent freezing.
13. Drain and Store Hoses
Remove water from hoses and store them indoors to prevent damage during the winter months.
14. Clear Gutters and Downspouts
Removing leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts can prevent ice dams and water damage.
15. Clean and Store Lawn Equipment
Winterize your lawn equipment by cleaning it thoroughly and storing it properly.
16. Check for Loose Steps or Stones
Ensure all your walkways and retaining walls are safe and secure by checking and fixing any loose steps or stones.
17. Clean and Store Patio Furniture
Prolong the life of your outdoor furniture by cleaning and storing it indoors during the winter.
18. Check Caulking Around Windows and Doors
Make sure your home is energy-efficient by checking and repairing any caulking around windows and doors before winter.
Fall Landscaping Checklist Print-Out
Print this checklist and hang it on the wall in your garage.
When you mark off the final emoji on the list, you can be confident your property is ready for that winter hibernation.
(click the infographic for a full-sized copy).
