As fall arrives, your yard begins to slow down — but that doesn’t mean your lawn care should stop. A proper fall yard cleanup ensures your landscape stays healthy through the colder months and comes back strong in spring. Skipping this step can leave you with damaged grass, diseased plants, and unwanted pests when the weather warms up.

At W5LC Landscape, we specialize in seasonal cleanups that keep lawns beautiful year-round. Here’s what every homeowner should do before winter hits.

1. Rake and Remove Leaves Regularly

Fallen leaves may look beautiful, but they can suffocate your grass if left too long. A thick layer traps moisture, leading to mold and brown spots. Rake regularly or use a leaf blower to clear them away, especially after heavy wind or rain.

2. Trim Overgrown Shrubs and Trees

Pruning in the fall prevents branches from breaking under snow or ice. It also encourages healthier growth in spring. Focus on removing any dead, diseased, or crossing branches that can rub and cause damage.

3. Clean Out Flower Beds and Garden Areas

Old plant material can harbor pests and disease. Pull annuals, trim perennials, and remove debris to keep your garden beds clean and ready for next season’s planting.

4. Aerate and Fertilize the Lawn

Fall is the perfect time to aerate your lawn. Aeration allows air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots before grass goes dormant. Follow up with a fall fertilizer to strengthen your lawn’s root system for winter survival.

5. Refresh Mulch Around Plants

Adding a fresh layer of mulch insulates plant roots from cold weather and keeps soil temperatures stable. This small step makes a big difference in plant health through the winter.

6. Check Drainage and Hardscapes

Inspect patios, retaining walls, and walkways for cracks or pooling water. Addressing these now helps prevent larger issues caused by freeze-thaw cycles in winter.

7. Mow One Last Time — the Right Way

Give your grass a final trim before the first frost. Keep it slightly shorter than usual to reduce matting but not too short, which can expose roots to the cold.

Why Professional Fall Cleanup Helps

Fall cleanup is one of the most important landscaping tasks of the year. At W5LC Landscape, we handle everything — from debris removal to lawn aeration — ensuring your yard is protected through winter and ready to flourish in spring.

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