Fall brings cooler temperatures, cozy sweaters, and the vibrant hues of changing leaves. But before you can fully embrace the season, there’s one big task that looms: the fall cleanup. To make your yard neat, tidy, and ready for the colder months, having the right tools and strategies is key. Here’s a guide to help you tackle it efficiently.

1. Large Tarps: Your All-Purpose Cleanup Helper

When it comes to fall cleanup, a large tarp can be your best friend. Tarps are incredibly versatile, making leaf and debris collection much easier. Here’s how you can use one effectively:

• Leaf collection: Instead of dragging a pile of leaves from one part of the yard to another, rake the leaves onto a tarp. You can easily drag the tarp to your compost pile or curb for collection.
• Garden bed protection: As fall turns to winter, cover garden beds with a tarp to protect delicate plants from frost.
• Transporting debris: If you’re cutting back plants or removing old mulch, use the tarp to transport it in bulk.

Pro tip: Opt for a sturdy, heavy-duty tarp that’s large enough to cover significant areas but still manageable to handle.

2. Cleanup Bags: Durable and Spacious

While tarps are great for large piles, cleanup bags are essential for small yard projects and final disposal. Here’s why they’re indispensable:

• Durability: Fall debris can be heavy, especially wet leaves. Heavy-duty yard bags are less likely to tear than regular trash bags, saving you from double-bagging.
• Versatility: From leaves to branches, cleanup bags are ideal for collecting all types of yard waste.
• Convenience: Paper bags are compostable, making them environmentally friendly if your waste gets collected for municipal composting.

Consider investing in reusable garden bags if you want an eco-friendly, long-lasting alternative.

3. Wheelbarrows: Transport with Ease

A wheelbarrow is one of those yard tools that proves its worth during fall cleanup. Whether you’re moving mulch, compost, or heavy loads of leaves, a wheelbarrow saves time and your back. Specific applications include:

• Mulch application: Transport mulch to your garden beds and tree bases without constantly bending over.
• Debris hauling: Load up trimmed branches or heavy stones to clean up your yard efficiently.

Choose a wheelbarrow that is sturdy yet lightweight enough to handle maneuvering through your garden.

4. Mulch: Preparing for Winter

After all the leaves are raked and the debris is cleared, fall is a great time to refresh your garden’s mulch. Mulching before winter has numerous benefits:

• Moisture retention: A fresh layer of mulch helps retain moisture in the soil, protecting roots during the dry winter months.
• Temperature regulation: Mulch insulates the soil, keeping temperatures more consistent and preventing damage to plant roots from freezing and thawing cycles.
• Weed control: A good layer of mulch can also prevent weeds from taking root come spring.

Aim for a 2-3 inch layer around trees and garden beds. Avoid packing mulch directly against the base of trees and plants, as this can promote rot.

5. Rakes: Choosing the Right One

Fall cleanup isn’t complete without a rake, but not all rakes are created equal. Here’s what to look for:

• Leaf rake: These rakes have wide tines designed to gather large amounts of leaves with minimal effort. A plastic or poly leaf rake is lightweight, making it easier to handle for long stretches.
• Metal rake: Metal tined rakes are better for heavier-duty tasks like spreading mulch or removing thick patches of debris.

6. Fall Grass Seed: Set the Stage for a Healthy Lawn

If you want a lush, green lawn next spring, fall is the ideal time to seed. Cooler temperatures create the perfect conditions for grass to grow strong roots before winter hits. Here’s the summary on how to get the best results:

• Prepare the soil: Remove dead grass, weeds, and debris. Loosen the top inch or so of soil to help the new seed take root.
• Choose the right seed: Select a fall-friendly grass seed that thrives in cool weather, like Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrass, or fescue.
• Water properly: After seeding, water consistently for the first few weeks to encourage germination.

A thick, healthy lawn not only looks great but also helps crowd out weeds and reduce erosion.

With the right tools in hand, fall cleanup can be a breeze. From large tarps and durable bags to wheelbarrows and mulch, each item plays a crucial role in maintaining your yard’s health and appearance. Take time to invest in quality gear, and your yard will thank you come spring!

Join our mailing list to stay up to date with the latest news from our team. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more regular updates.