While summer may be the peak time for gardening, fall is the perfect opportunity to give your yard the attention it needs to prepare it for the cold months ahead and ensure vibrant growth come spring.

Here are some essential tips to help you make the most of your landscaping efforts.

Clean up

First and foremost, tidy up your lawn and garden by removing dead plants, leaves, and other debris that have accumulated over summer. Clearing out this organic matter will not only improve the appearance of your yard but also prevent disease from festering and eliminate potential shelter for pests.

Prune and shape

The next step is to prune back perennials that have finished blooming to encourage healthy growth; You’ll want to avoid being too excessive with spring-flowering shrubs, though, since this can remove the buds needed for next year’s blooms. Likewise, trim dead or damaged branches from trees and shrubs, which can both help them redirect energy toward their healthier areas and better prevent limbs from falling during winter storms.

Tend to your lawn

Ahead of its dormant season, give your lawn a little TLC so it can come out the other side just as strong. Aerating it is key since it will allow water, air, and nutrients to reach the grass roots more effectively, in turn strengthening the root system to make it more resilient. Now is also ideal for overseeding to fix any thin or bare patches. The aeration will give the seed better contact with the soil, and the cool fall air combined with the still warm and moist ground will provide the best stress-free growing conditions. And don’t overlook applying a slow-release fertilizer, which will provide essential nutrients that support root growth. Altogether, these efforts will give your lawn a head start when spring arrives, leading to a lush, green landscape.

Plant fall flowers and bulbs

Just because summer’s over doesn’t mean you’re done with your garden—rather, switch your focus to cool-season plants and spring-blooming bulbs. To enjoy vibrant color now and in the months ahead, add flowers like chrysanthemums, pansies, and asters, which thrive in cooler temperatures, and consider adding interest and texture with options like ornamental kale and grasses. Looking ahead to spring, plant bulbs for tulips, daffodils, and the like to ensure a beautiful burst of color when warmer months arrive. Make sure place them at the appropriate depth and water them thoroughly according to their care instructions. You can get more information on each specific flower at your local garden store.

Mulch for protection

Once you’ve tended to your current plants and added your chosen new ones, you’ll want to make sure their well protected during winter with a good layer of mulch. This tool acts as an insulating blanket, helping to regulate soil temperature and moisture levels while also preventing soil erosion and suppressing weeds. Organic mulches, such as shredded leaves or bark, also break down over time, enriching the soil with nutrients. Aim to spread a layer that’s three to four inches thick, and be mindful to leave some space around the trunks of any trees to avoid suffocating them.

Water wisely

While the weather may be cooler, your plants still need water to stay healthy. Continue to water them deeply but infrequently (about every other week or once a month) until the ground freezes, especially for newly added trees and shrubs. Early morning is the best time to water since it allows plants to absorb moisture before the sun causes evaporation.

Prepare tools and equipment

Before winter sets in, take some time to clean and store your warm-weather tools and equipment as well. Proper maintenance will ensure that they are ready for use when spring arrives. Drain fuel from mowers and other gas-powered devices, wipe down metal tools to prevent rust, and place everything in a dry, sheltered location. As you do, you may want to pull out your winter gear to prevent it from getting buried and have it ready to go when the colder weather hits.

By taking the time to prepare your outdoor spaces for fall, you’re setting the stage for it to thrive come spring. These essential tasks will not only enhance its beauty but also promote the health and vitality of your plants. For personalized advice and assistance with your fall projects, reach out to a landscaping expert, who can help you create the garden and yard of your dreams, no matter the season.