A Guide to Fall Clean Ups in Winchester, VA

🍂 Fall Clean-Up Guide: Why Autumn Landscaping Matters

As the leaves start to fall and the temperatures drop, it’s easy to think the yardwork is over. But fall is actually one of the most important times to care for your landscape. A thorough autumn clean-up not only keeps your property looking tidy — it also sets the stage for healthy growth in the spring.

Here’s what a proper fall clean-up should include:

✅ 1. Leaf Removal

Leaves left to pile up can smother your lawn and promote mold, pests, and disease. Rake them up or mulch them with a mower to return nutrients to the soil.

✂️ 2. Prune Dead or Diseased Branches

Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing limbs from trees and shrubs. Be cautious not to prune spring-flowering shrubs too late — or you may lose next year’s blooms.

🌿 3. Cut Back Perennials

Once your perennials have died back, trim them down to a few inches above the soil. This helps prevent disease and keeps your beds neat for winter.

🌱 4. Weed and Mulch Garden Beds

Weeds left in place will overwinter and spread in spring. Clean them out, and top beds with 2–3 inches of mulch to insulate roots and suppress winter weeds.

💧 5. Final Lawn Care

Give your lawn one last mow, about 2–2.5 inches high, and consider aerating and overseeding if needed. A fall fertilizer can strengthen roots before winter hits.

🌷 6. Plant Fall Bulbs

Get a jumpstart on spring by planting tulips, daffodils, and other bulbs before the first hard frost. They’ll reward you with early color next year.

🧹 7. Clean Up Hardscapes and Gutters

Sweep patios, clean walkways, and clear leaves from gutters and drains to prevent clogs, slips, and ice buildup later.

🎯 Why It Matters:

A fall clean-up isn't just cosmetic. It:

• Prevents disease and pests

• Protects plants over winter

• Improves spring growth

• Keeps your yard safe and tidy

🍁 Want help with your fall clean-up? Whether you need a full yard service or just a few hours of trimming and clearing, we’re here to make sure your landscape is ready for the season ahead.