Tired of watching your garden get buried in leaves and lose its charm as fall rolls in? Follow these easy fall cleanup tips!

Just a few simple steps—like clearing out debris and adding some nutrients—will set your garden up for a vibrant spring.

Let’s walk you through how to get everything ready so you can enjoy a healthy, thriving garden next year.

1. Clear Out Dead Leaves and Debris

Leaves and debris left on your lawn can smother grass, leading to patches and poor growth.

Here’s what you can do:

• Rake or blow leaves regularly to prevent buildup. A leaf blower can make this quicker if your garden is large.
• Compost your leaves if possible. They make an excellent organic addition for soil health in the spring.
• Remove fallen branches and other debris that can become tripping hazards or damage plants.

2. Prune Perennials and Shrubs Carefully

Pruning in the fall encourages new growth in the spring, but there’s a technique to it:

• Trim perennials down to the ground once they’ve stopped blooming. But be cautious; some perennials prefer spring pruning.
• Cut back shrubs by trimming any dead or damaged branches. This will shape them and keep them healthy.
• Avoid over-pruning; it’s easy to go too far. Check plant-specific needs if unsure.

3. Protect Your Soil with Mulch

Mulching is a simple way to shield your soil from frost and erosion, while also enriching it.

• Spread a layer of organic mulch (such as bark or compost) around the base of trees, shrubs, and perennials. Aim for about 2-3 inches.
• Keep mulch away from plant stems to prevent rot.
• Use leaves for mulch in flower beds if you have extras—just chop them up to avoid mats.

4. Drain and Store Garden Tools

Garden tools and hoses need protection, too.

Here’s how to keep them in shape:

• Empty and store hoses to prevent them from freezing and cracking.
• Clean your tools to remove any dirt, sap, or rust.
• Store tools in a dry, covered area, like a shed or garage, to avoid rust and weather damage.

5. Plan Ahead with Bulb Planting

Planting bulbs now is one of the best ways to add color to your spring garden.

• Choose bulbs that thrive in your area’s climate—think daffodils, tulips, or crocuses.
• Plant bulbs in clusters for a natural look and easier growth.
• Follow planting depths on the package to give bulbs a good chance to root.

6. Clean and Winterize Garden Beds

Your garden beds need a little prep to stay healthy through the cold.

• Pull out any dead annuals and clear weeds to reduce pests and disease.
• Turn over the soil lightly to aerate it for better drainage and health.
• Add compost or fertilizer to enrich the soil for spring planting.

7. Protect Young Trees and Shrubs

Young plants need extra care to survive the winter’s chill. Here’s how to help them out:

• Wrap young trees with burlap or tree wrap to guard against frost and wind.
• Stake any weak branches so they don’t snap under the weight of snow or ice.
• Add a layer of mulch around the base for insulation.

Need Professional Fall Cleanup Services?

Now you have all the fall cleanup tips, but do you have the time and expertise to handle it yourself?

Fall cleanup can be a big job, and doing it right means giving your garden the best start for the next season. If you’re short on time or want professional care, we’re here to help.

From leaf removal to prepping garden beds, we’ll take care of every detail so you can enjoy a beautiful, healthy garden without the hassle. Connect with us on Facebook or request a quote here.