The end of summer brings cooler evenings, shorter days, and, before long, falling leaves.

While it’s tempting to squeeze out every last drop of summer fun, now is the perfect time to prepare your yard for the transition into autumn. A little effort now can protect your lawn, plants, and outdoor spaces, ensuring they look great well into the cooler months. To help you get started, here are six essential tasks to tackle as summer winds down and a new season sets in.

Clean up your lawn and garden beds

After months of heat and heavy use, lawns often look a little worn: grass may be thin, weeds may have spread, and flower beds may be filled with plants that have already passed their prime. Taking the time to tidy up now makes a major difference, so mow your lawn, pull weeds, and trim back out-of-season perennials to help your yard look refreshed. This can also help prevent pests from settling in as the weather cools. From there, add a fresh layer of mulch to beds to protect roots and provide a neater, more finished appearance.

Aerate and fertilize the grass

Compacted soil is a common problem after summer, especially if your yard has seen a lot of foot traffic. When soil is too dense, water and nutrients can’t reach the grass roots as effectively, leaving your lawn vulnerable. As a reliable solution, aerate to open up the ground and allow grass to absorb what it needs to thrive. You can rent or purchase a spike or core aerator from your local yard-care shop to help loosen up any compacted ground. Follow this process with a fall fertilizer session to give your grass an extra boost, encouraging strong root development before winter arrives. The result is a healthier, thicker lawn that will bounce back quicker once spring returns.

Reseed bare patches

Summer fun can leave behind worn or bare spots in the grass, and ignoring them means they may expand or become more difficult to fix later. Early fall is a good time to reseed because cooler temperatures and increased rainfall create the ideal growing conditions. Rake the soil lightly, scatter new seed, and keep the area moist to allow fresh growth to establish before frost sets in, filling out your lawn and restoring its green and even appearance.

Tend to trees and shrubs

Your larger plants provide shade, beauty, and other benefits, but even mature trees and shrubs need some end-of-season care. Overgrown or damaged branches can become hazards when fall storms bring heavy winds or rain; pruning them now will help prevent breakage, improve airflow, and encourage healthier regrowth. It’s also wise to check for signs of disease or insect activity, such as unusual coloring on the leaves or bark, so you can address these problems before they spread.

Refresh outdoor spaces

Your deck, patio, or porch likely saw plenty of activity over the summer, so now is the time to give these spaces a little attention. Sweep away dirt and debris, wash outdoor furniture, and store items you won’t be using once the weather turns colder. Next, inspect structures for any damage, like loose boards or cracked pavers, and consider pressure washing to restore their appearance. Even small updates, such as replacing worn cushions or adding seasonal decor, can help extend your enjoyment of outdoor spaces into fall.

Prepare for falling leaves

This autumn debris may be beautiful, but it can quickly become overwhelming if left unmanaged. Leaving a thick layer of leaves on the lawn blocks sunlight and traps moisture, which weakens grass and promotes mold growth. To tackle this chore, rake, mulch, or compost leaves, doing so weekly to avoid excessive pileups.

Seasonal yard maintenance may feel like one more task on your to-do list, but caring for your outdoor areas as the seasons change can pay off in the long run—especially if you’re working on improving your curb appeal for potential homebuyers. Take these steps now, and you can enjoy a beautiful, healthy yard well into the next season and beyond.