Prep Your Yard for the Cooler Months Ahead
As summer winds down and frosty mornings set in, plants focus on root development rather than above-ground growth. That makes fall the best time to prep your lawn and garden beds for the next growing season. At Greenworks, we put together easy but essential fall projects to help you set the stage for your yard to have a strong, vibrant comeback in spring—with a few general home and tool care tips thrown in for good measure!
The Fall Prep Shortlist:
✅ Rake it up. Keep leaves from smothering your grass.
✅ Do a final mow. Shorter grass = fewer winter problems (such as snow mold and disease).
✅ Feed the lawn. Fall fertilizer helps grass bounce back in spring.
✅ Prune and trim. Shape trees and shrubs before winter breakage. This also deters pests!
✅ Protect garden beds. Compost, mulch, and landscape fabric help maintain soil health.
✅ Plant for spring. Pop in bulbs now for gorgeous blooms later.
✅ Hibernate hoses. Drain and store hoses and cover outdoor faucets with spigot covers.
✅ Give tools some TLC. Clean and store mowers, trimmers, and hand tools to prevent damage.
✅ Sweep up. Tidy sidewalks, porches, and decks before snow hits.
BONUS: Fill feeders. Help your feathered friends as temperatures drop and food becomes scarce.
9 Tasks Every Homeowner Should Do Before the First Frost:
1. Aerate and Fertilize
After a summer of heavy foot traffic and heat, your soil may be compacted. Aerating allows water, air, and nutrients to reach grass roots more effectively. Follow with a slow-release fall fertilizer to help your lawn store energy for the winter months.
2. Rake and Remove Fallen Leaves
A blanket of colorful leaves looks pretty for a while, but left unchecked, it can smother your grass, invite pests, and encourage mold. Use a rake, leaf blower, or mulching mower to clear them regularly.
Greenworks Tip: Chopped leaves can be added to your compost pile to create nutrient-rich soil later.
3. Give Your Lawn a Final Mow
Your grass is still growing until the first frost, so keep mowing until then, gradually lowering your mower’s blade for the final cut of the season. A slightly shorter lawn helps prevent snow mold and makes spring cleanup easier! We recommend cutting your grass to about 1 ¼ inches for the last mow of the season. This shorter length prevents disease and allows leaves to blow across the yard instead of getting stuck in long grass (which can cause rot over winter).
In the market for a mower that’s quiet, energy efficient, and maneuverable? A battery-powered mower might be for you! Explore all Greenworks Lawn Mowers.
4. Prune Trees and Shrubs
Fall is the ideal time to prune most deciduous trees and shrubs. Remove dead or damaged branches to prevent winter breakage and improve overall shape. Be careful not to prune spring-flowering shrubs too heavily or you might cut off next year’s buds!
Prune trees like a pro: Explore Greenworks Electric and Battery-Powered Chainsaws. Shaping bushes and shrubs? You’ll love our top-rated Greenworks Trimmers and Edgers.
5. Clean and Mulch Garden Beds
Pull out any lingering weeds and dead annuals, then spread a fresh layer of mulch and/or compost. Mulch acts like a blanket for your soil, protecting roots from temperature swings and helping retain moisture. You can also cover garden beds with protective cloth like landscape fabric to encourage early spring growth.
6. Plant Fall Bulbs and Perennials
If you want tulips, daffodils, and other spring blooms to pop up when the season changes, plant bulbs now while the ground is still workable. Fall is also a great time to divide and replant perennials so they can establish roots before the first frost!
7. Drain and Store Garden Hoses & Equipment
Before the first freeze, disconnect hoses, drain them completely, and store them indoors to prevent cracking. Protecting your outdoor faucets with a foam cover is also a great idea. During this step, don’t forget to clean and dry garden tools, lawnmowers, and power equipment before storing to extend their lifespan. And if you have battery-powered yard tools, don’t forget to bring the batteries indoors to preserve their lifespan and performance.
8. Tidy Up Hardscapes
Thoroughly sweep patios, walkways, and decks. Don’t forget to check for cracks or loose boards (winter freezing can greatly exasperate deck issues). Fall maintenance prevents small problems from worsening under ice and snow.
Pressure washers can be great for this step! Explore all Greenworks Pressure Washers to remove dirt, grime, and dead leaves with ease.
9. Prep for Winter Birds
Clean out bird feeders and restock with seed blends that provide energy for cold weather. This way, you’ll help local wildlife and get to enjoy more backyard birdwatching all season long!
Keep Your Yard Healthy Through Winter
Fall yardwork is about more than just keeping your property looking good. It’s an investment in the health and longevity of your grass and garden. By tackling small projects now, you’ll not only protect your yard through the winter but also give yourself a head start on a lush, vibrant spring. Grab your rake, pull on a sweatshirt, and enjoy the fresh autumn air while you work!
For more fall yard care tips, visit the Greenworks blog. Plus, find all the electric yard tools you need to get the job done at Greenworkstools.com.
Written by The Green Team, a creative arm within Greenworks Tools.
Our team of writers, designers and content creators bring a breadth of experience and a touch of fun to all things tools. With an assist from the Greenworks product teams and technology experts, we’re here to provide helpful and engaging content to make your yard (and life!) beautiful.
