Winterizing Your Lawn and Garden: Essential Autumn Tasks for a Healthy Spring

Easy Starts: Protect Decor and Feed Birds

Store fragile planters, gazing balls, and deck furniture. Empty unglazed terra cotta pots—they crack if left filled with soil in freezing temps. Clean and store them protected. Set up bird feeders and keep them full all winter for reliable wildlife support.

Garden Cleanup

After the first hard frost, remove annuals and dead vegetation. Compost healthy material only—discard diseased or pest-infested plants. Pull perennial weeds before winter mulching.

Plant Spring Bulbs

Fall is the time for crocus, tulips, and daffodils—beautiful early-spring color.

Leaf Management

Rake leaves for compost or direct garden mulch. Avoid heavy mulch on perennials (can smother). Delay tree pruning until late winter.

Protect Perennials and Shrubs

After ground freezes, mulch perennials and new trees. Wrap vulnerable shrubs in burlap against wind, sun scald, and winter injury.

Equipment Maintenance

Drain fuel from mowers and trimmers (run dry or add conditioner). Clean thoroughly: wash with soap and water, clean air filter, change oil. Sharpen blades now for easier spring mowing—protect with light spray oil. Oil cables and throttle controls. Drain hoses and shut off taps. Store chemicals (insecticides, herbicides, fertilizers) in a frost-free, child- and pet-safe area.

Reward: Easier Spring Start

A little autumn effort makes next spring's gardening smoother and more enjoyable.