As the leaves start to fall and temperatures dip, now’s the time to give your yard a little TLC before winter takes hold. A good fall cleanup not only keeps your landscape looking neat but also sets your lawn and garden up for a healthy start come spring. At Spikes & Houles, we’ve got everything you need to make the job easier — from rakes and leaf bags to fertilizer, garden tools, and more.
Here are a few simple steps to get your yard in top shape before the snow flies:
Rake & Remove Leaves
Raking leaves not only creates fun piles for kids (and pets!) to jump into — it’s also essential for lawn health. Clearing leaves allows your grass to breathe and continue growing while temperatures are still above freezing. Keeping your lawn mowed and free of debris helps it thicken up before winter dormancy and prevents the threat of disease caused by smothered grass.
Cut Back Perennials & Clean Beds
Once annuals have faded, it’s time to tidy up your garden beds. Cut back most perennials to a few inches above the ground — but double-check before you start snipping! Some perennials, like ornamental grasses and coneflowers, prefer to be left standing through winter for added protection and visual interest.
If you have roses, keep watering until the ground freezes, then tie them up and tip them down to protect from winter winds. Roses like to be buried or mulched over the cold season to prevent damage and encourage strong spring regrowth.
Prep the Lawn
Feed your lawn before it takes its long winter nap! Applying a fall fertilizer or JRK Winterizer now will strengthen root systems and provide the nutrients your grass needs to bounce back lush and green in the spring. Think of it as tucking your lawn in for hibernation — well-fed and ready to wake up strong in late March.
Tidy Up Your Tools
Before the first hard freeze, take a few minutes to clean and store your gardening gear. Drain and rewind hoses, clean off garden tools, and move pots or planters to sheltered areas. No one wants to discover cracked hoses or broken pottery come spring!
Sweep porches, patios, decks, and walkways to remove leaves that can stain once they’re trapped under melting snow. A little cleanup now keeps everything looking fresh later.
Compost & Recycle Yard Waste
Put your yard debris to good use! Combine leaves, grass clippings, and end-of-season plant material to build rich compost for next year’s garden. If composting isn’t your thing this season, no worries — local RES sites will take your yard waste and recycle it for you.
Minnesota winters can be long, but a little preparation goes a long way. With these simple steps, you’ll not only protect your yard but set yourself up for an easier, greener start next spring. So grab that rake, roll up your hose, and give your outdoor spaces the care they deserve — your future self will thank you!