In North Texas and just about everywhere else, yard work should be done in the fall to prepare your lawn for winter weather.

Fall yard work saves you money by protecting your yard from the stress of winter, improves your home’s curb appeal, and allows you time to enjoy the beautiful fall season before winter sets in.

It’s not hard to do these things and it will help you save money and energy over the long haul.

Here are some things you can do this fall to make your yard ready for winter.

• Trim Trees and Cut Bushes

Bushes and trees that grow up through walkways or that hang over your home need to be trimmed.

This will keep them from falling on your home or providing a hiding spot for would-be critters.

A good pair of pruning shears and a rake can remove most of it. Use a blower to clear out any remaining debris.

Just be sure you’re not trimming your bushes too short because that can make it hard for the bush to replenish itself.

Use the 1/3 rule when pruning. Prune 1/3 of the bush’s total volume. This will foster new growth.

 

• Add Fertilizer

Fall is an ideal time to apply fertilizer (such as bone meal, manure, or another organic fertilizer) to help your lawn get ready for winter.

Be sure not to overdo it. More isn’t always better when it comes to nutrients. Think of your lawn like a newly planted tree—you don’t want it getting too much (or too little) at first.

• Aerate Lawns

Aerating your lawn will allow water, nutrients, and air to get into the soil.

Doing so will also help your grass grow faster and stronger, and it should also prevent thatch build-up (which is caused by trapped water) that can eventually ruin a lawn.

This process involves drilling small holes into a lawn with a special tool called an aerator.

 

• Weed Lawns & Gardens

Fall is a great time to get weeds out of the way and get a head start on next spring. While you’re at it, you might as well check your garden plot for signs of insects or diseases.

Spray problem areas with organic solutions that won’t harm plants or animals—and keep pests from breeding come spring.

If you’re hoping to do a bit of seasonal planting by adding some winter-hardy plants or shrubs, we have a few suggestions.

Also, think about prepping your plot by adding new soil and compost. This preparation can yield healthier plants and greener grass later on down the road.

• Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Leaves, twigs, pine needles, and other debris become lodged in gutters and downspouts. If water isn’t flowing freely from these openings, it could spell disaster.

Look out for clogs before they happen by cleaning your gutters regularly at least twice a year.

Final Thoughts

Because you worked so diligently on your lawn through spring and summer, fall is the time to continue taking care of what you started.

A good dose of TLC (tender loving care) throughout the fall season will yield a healthy lawn and garden in the spring.

When you engage in fall maintenance for your yard, your grass and plants will be better equipped to absorb oxygen and other nutrients necessary to survive the winter season.

So be sure to use these tips so your yard can take a nice nap until next year.