--- title: "The Best Things You Can Do for Your Yard This Fall" date: "2017-09-14" modified: "2021-10-25" authors: - name: "Ayn Monique Klahre" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/ayn-monique-klahre/" url: "https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/the-best-things-you-can-do-for-your-yard-this-fall-51384/" categories: - "DIY" - "Driveways & Walkways" - "Exterior" - "Lawn & Garden" - "Lawn Care" - "Lawn Care & Gardening" tags: - "landscaping" - "lawn" - "preservation" - "seasonal" - "Snow & Ice" --- # The Best Things You Can Do for Your Yard This Fall ![]() ### Test the Soil’s pH ![]() *istockphoto.com* After a summer of heavy growth, your soil's nutrients may be tapped out. Fall is a good time to take stock of which vital minerals your soil is missing and what it might need for the coming season. Test your soil's pH, and then use the test results to determine what kind of fertilizer, if any, you may need to bring your soil back into a healthful balance. ### Fertilize the Lawn ![]() *istockphoto.com* Lay the foundation for a lush [spring]() lawn by fertilizing cool-season grasses in the fall. Spread fertilizer in October and November to stimulate root growth before the ground freezes. By strengthening roots now, you're helping your lawn survive a harsh winter and promoting rapid growth come springtime. ### Cut Down the Grass ![]() *istockphoto.com* During the summer, you want to keep your lawn high to shade out [weeds]() and hold in water, but come fall, cut your grass short to reduce the risk of snow mold, a fungal disease that kills grass as ice and snow melt. Give the lawn a good trim in late fall, and you won't have to do it again until spring. ### Reseed the Lawn ![]() *istockphoto.com* If you’ve got bare patches in your [lawn](), address them now! Early fall is a great time to sow cool-season grass seed because the soil is still warm and rain is plentiful—the ideal conditions for grass to take root so it can grow lush in the spring. ### Pull Out Tired Plants ![]() *istockphoto.com* If you want to change the look of your garden, fall is the time to pull out your old [plants]() and start with new perennials. Fall's milder temperatures are not only more comfortable to work in, they'll also give new shrubs and landscaping trees time to take root before the ground freezes. ### Cover Flower Beds with Leaves ![]() *istockphoto.com* If you can stand it, leave those fallen leaves in your flower beds! While many homeowners don’t love the look of leaf-covered flower beds, the organic matter can actually insulate plants from [ice and snow](), keeping them healthy as the months get colder. ### Edge Your Flower Beds ![]() *istockphoto.com* While your soil is warm and moist—and certainly before the first frost—take advantage of the nice weather and pleasant working conditions to refine the borders of your flower beds or add decorative edging to [gardens](). Bonus: Doing it now, as opposed to in the spring, means you’re less likely to disrupt fragile new growth and seedlings. ### Cut Back Shrubs ![]() *istockphoto.com* If you want to trim back your existing shrubs, now’s the time. Do the job in early fall, and new growth will have the chance to harden off before the first big freeze comes, so your shrubs will be in better shape come [springtime](). ### Trim Trees ![]() *istockphoto.com* It’s easier to identify dead limbs while your [trees]() still have leaves on them, so these early days of autumn are a great time to trim back dead branches before they get covered with ice and snow—weight that could potentially cause them to break off, posing a safety issue for your home and family. ### Clean the Gutters ![]() *istockphoto.com* Most trees don't drop too many leaves, sticks, and debris during the summer, but by the end of fall your [gutters]() will probably be full. Take the time now to clear out clogged gutters (hire a professional if your home is more than two stories tall) to prevent ice dams in winter or overflowing gutters come spring. ### Pick Up Sticks ![]() *istockphoto.com* As fall storms cause leaf-heavy limbs to drop, pick up downed twigs and branches. Store the wood under a covered structure to dry out (not in an attached garage, though, where it can attract termites), and when the wood's ready, use it to start a season of crackling fires in your [fireplace](). ### Fill Pathway Cracks ![]() *istockphoto.com* When water gets inside small cracks in paved pathways or other [garden]() accents, freezing temperatures can turn that moisture to ice, further widening the cracks. Take some time now to fill the gaps and stave off worse damage. ### Stock Up on De-Icer ![]() *istockphoto.com* Don’t wait until the first big ice storm to get the supplies you need to keep your sidewalks and walkways clear and safe. Beat the rush by stocking up on salt-free de-icer, and you'll be ready when the [cold]() weather comes. ### Autumn Upkeep ![]() *istockphoto.com* Take the work out of yard work with these [smart hacks to speed things up]() and with these helpful buys that will [boost your curb appeal](). You'll be happy you took care of these chores in the fall when you see how great your lawn looks in the spring! ## Author Ayn-Monique Klahre is a writer, editor, and content director. She spent 12 years as a magazine editor at titles including [Woman's Day](), [FamilyFun](), and [Good Housekeeping]() working on stories about all things home, DIY, and lifestyle—from decorating and entertaining to home improvement and organization. In 2017, Ayn-Monique said goodbye to NYC and moved with her husband and two daughters to North Carolina. Now based in Raleigh, she advises brands and businesses on creative strategy and corporate content. She also continues to create editorial, e-commerce, and branded content for media outlets, such as [Real Simple](), [Business Insider](), [The Kitchn](), and [The New York Times](). ### Author social links [LinkedIn]()