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1. Perk up mulch.
Use a basic yard rake to redistribute mulch. This will enable water to get to the roots faster.
2. Even out mulch around trees.
A common mistake is to pile mulch tall like a mountain. This makes it more attractive to pests. It's best to even out the mulch around the trees in the shape of an inner tube, leaving few inches of space between the mulch and the tree.
 3. Determine what type of fall fertilizer is best.
In most parts of the United States and Canada, fall is the most important time of the year to fertilize lawns. Applying fertilizer in fall will result in a far healthier spring lawn. Unfortunately, many people don't take the time to figure out what kind of fertilizer is best for their region and yard conditions. It's wise to visit local garden or landscaping centers for advice about this so that you're ready.
4. Repair a damaged lawn.
Late summer provides good opportunity to re-seed bare patches and revitalize dry spots before the temperatures drop and lawn growth slows.
5. Prune wisely.
Pruning of bushes and other vegetation should be done with great care. It's easy to over-prune. You don't want to trim away new growth.
6. Plant spring bulbs now.
In most regions, planting spring bulbs now, rather in than in spring, is wise because it provides a longer period for roots to strengthen.
7. Remove dried out leaves, twigs and branches.
In lieu of burning them, turn them into nutrient-rich mulch for your lawn.
It's easy to create mulch from twigs and branches using a wood chipper. Wood chippers are available to rent from home improvement stores at an affordable rate.
8. Tune-up your lawn mower.
Tune up your lawn mower to improve efficiency, reduce emissions, prevent end-of-summer breakdowns and get it ready for off-season storage.
9. Fix your leaf blower.
Test your leaf blower and repair any problems to avoid any fall downtime.
10. Prep gas-powered outdoor power equipment for storage by adding fuel stabilizer to fresh fuel and then running the equipment for a couple of minutes.
This will prevent buildup within the carburetor.
11. Remove dead leaves and branches from perennials.
Clear dead leaves and fallen fruit from your perennials' living space to reduce its pest appeal.
 12. Aerate. Aeration is the process of moving air between soil and its surroundings. It plays an important role in the healthy growth of grass. It occurs naturally but the development of thatch (a mix of dead grass and other debris) makes it more difficult for this to happen on its own.
Using a garden fork or professional aeration tool, remove small plugs of thatch and soil to foster natural aeration. Creating passageways will enable greater water intake, make way for valuable microorganisms and worms, maximize the benefits of fertilizer, promote healthier roots and make the lawn more heat and drought tolerant.
13. Stock up on burlap.
Burlap is an inexpensive way to prevent weed growth in garden beds.
14. Dethatch lawns.
Thatch, which is a layer of dead grass and other debris, can build up on the soil, impeding growth of the grass, blocking water from reaching the roots and creating a haven for fungal diseases. Before fall leaves hit the surface, remove thatch using a basic rake.
 15. Plan for fall colors.
Even if summer blooms are still thriving, think about mums and other staple fall flowers that you'll use in their place.
16. Keep your lawn at least two to two and a half inches tall.
By the end of the summer, many people have yard-care fatigue. They may adjust their lawn mower's cutting height to cut the lawn shorter to reduce required mowing. This can cause lawn health problems.
Cut only one third of grass blade length in a single mowing. Shortening the blades will reduce the energy available to the grass in order to obtain nutrients required for healthy root systems.
17. Evaluate your yard and plan ahead.
Take the time now to think about what you like about your yard and what needs improvement. Residential landscaping should always evolve. Figure out how you want your yard to be different in the spring. You'll likely find that there are many things you need to do now to make it easier when the new season arrives. Anything you'd add to this list? Let us know in the comments section here.Learn something from this email? Please share it via the social media links at the top of this message. Thank you! | 
