The Ultimate Fall Yard Cleanup Checklist

Bracing for colder weather 

As fall ushers in cooler and drier days, it’s an opportune moment to delve into your fall yard cleanup checklist. By proactively addressing maintenance tasks in anticipation of colder temperatures and potential snow, you can keep your outdoor spaces healthy, safe, and visually pleasing.

Clear the leaves

One of the most iconic tasks of fall is leaf-raking. If you or your neighbors have an abundance of trees around the house, you’re likely to face a carpet of colorful foliage in your yard. Raking, mulching or using a leaf blower to clear leaves is essential for maintaining the health of your lawn. 

An alternative to raking leaves is mulching, in which a lawnmower is used to shred leaves into small dime-sized pieces. Mulching creates a natural composting layer that will break down over the winter months, enriching the soil with valuable nutrients in the process. Not only does mulching save you time and effort, but it also benefits the plants in your lawn in the long run.

You can also use a leaf blower to move leaves from your yard or garden bed. Make sure to inspect the blower to ensure it’s in good working condition before plugging it in to use.

READ MORE: Troubleshooting and Fixing a Leaf Blower that Won’t Start

Clean your gutters  

Before the leaves start piling up, it’s important to clear your gutters and downspouts that help move water away from your house’s base, stopping water damage and flooding. During fall, leaves and other debris like twigs and dirt can easily block these devices and prevent them from working efficiently.

Allowing rainwater and melting snow to flow freely through the gutters and downspouts prevents potential damage caused by overflowing water. Regular gutter cleaning is a simple yet vital maintenance task that can save you from costly repairs. 

READ MORE: Fall Appliance Checklist: Prepare Your Appliances for Winter

Remove fallen branches

Fallen branches can pose hidden hazards in your yard, especially when they become concealed under a blanket of snow. Make sure to pick up any fallen branches around your yard to prevent accidents and injuries during the winter months. 

You should also inspect nearby trees for damaged or weak branches that could potentially break under the weight of heavy snow. Trimming these branches before winter arrives helps keep you and your loved ones safe and also helps trees stay healthy.

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Clear walkways and paths

Before freezing temperatures and snow arrive, it’s crucial to clear walkways and paths of any potential tripping hazards. Uneven surfaces, loose or deteriorating patio stones or steps, blocks of wood, tools and planters can become treacherous obstacles when covered in snow and ice, leading to slips and falls. Consider topping up gravel on paths to provide better traction and prevent slippery surfaces. Removing clutter and making necessary repairs provides a safer environment for yourself and others. 

Store hoses and tools

It’s best to find a dry place inside to store hoses and tools since freezing temperatures can damage or deteriorate these items, rendering them ineffective and/or requiring costly replacements. Be sure to fully drain hoses before storing them to prevent freezing and potential damage.

Protect your outdoor furniture 

Outdoor furniture is an investment that enhances the comfort and enjoyment of your yard during the warmer months, so it’s essential to keep it stored or covered properly to prevent damage and maximize its lifespan. 

Smaller items such as chairs, tables, and cushions should be stored in indoor areas like a shed, garage or basement to protect them from exposure to harsh winter elements like snow, ice, wind and freezing temperatures. Storing these items also helps avoid damage from moisture and pests.

Larger items like grills, playsets and patio umbrellas may not be easily moved or may not fit in home storage areas. In these cases, they should be securely covered to remain shielded from the elements. Use weatherproof covers that are specifically designed for your furniture to provide a snug fit and optimal protection. You should also consider using straps or bungee cords to secure the covers so they don’t get blown away by strong winds.

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Ready, set, prep! 

We hope the information in this guide helps you clean up and prepare for winter so your space looks great when warmer weather returns. Grab a rake, a ladder and some gloves to get started so you can enjoy a beautiful, well-kept yard.  

If you realize your outdoor equipment needs repairing, grab your appliance’s model number and search AppliancePartsPros.com to find genuine OEM replacement parts. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook to stay up-to-date with tips and troubleshooting guides for all your appliances.