As temperatures drop and leaves fall in Buffalo, NY, fall yard cleanup becomes essential to prepare for the coming winter. Cleaning up your yard in the fall not only maintains its appearance but also protects your lawn, plants, and garden beds during the harsh Buffalo winters. Follow these simple, practical tips to set your yard up for success come spring.
1. Rake and Remove Fallen Leaves
In Buffalo, where trees lose their leaves quickly in autumn, raking is a crucial step in fall yard cleanup. Letting leaves sit on the lawn can smother grass, trap moisture, and encourage mold growth. Snow molds are particularly common in regions with cold winters like Buffalo's, where layers of wet leaves can lead to fungal diseases that damage grass.
Tip: Rake leaves regularly, or use a leaf blower or mulching mower to keep leaves from building up. If you're looking for an eco-friendly solution, compost those leaves or use them as mulch for garden beds, which will help insulate plants over winter.
2. Trim and Prune Your Plants
Buffalo's cold winters can be hard on shrubs, perennials, and trees, so fall is a good time to prune. Trimming dead or damaged branches from trees and shrubs not only improves the health and appearance of plants but also prevents snow-laden branches from breaking off. For perennials, trim dead flowers and stems back to the base. This cleanup also removes any pests or diseased parts that could affect plant health next season.
Tip: Avoid heavy pruning of spring-flowering shrubs, as this could reduce blooms next year. Focus on cutting back only what's needed for plant health.
3. Aerate and Seed the Lawn
Buffalo's clay-heavy soil can become compacted, especially after a busy summer and fall of foot traffic. Aerating poking small holes in the soil allows more oxygen, water, and nutrients to reach the grass roots. This strengthens the grass and prepares it for a tough winter, helping it bounce back strong in the spring. After aerating, spread grass seed over the lawn, especially in bare spots, to encourage thicker growth.
Tip: Aerate the lawn on a mild day before the ground freezes to give new grass roots time to establish.
4. Apply Fall Fertilizer
Late fall is an ideal time to apply a slow-release fertilizer to help your lawn survive Buffalo's winter. Fertilizing strengthens grass roots, giving it the nutrients it needs to survive cold temperatures and reducing its risk of winter damage. When spring arrives, your lawn will green up faster, with fewer bare spots.
Tip: Look for a fall-specific fertilizer that's high in potassium, as it helps strengthen grass against the stress of winter.
5. Clean Up Garden Beds and Protect Sensitive Plants
Fall is also the time to tidy up garden beds by removing annuals and cutting back perennials. You can spread a layer of mulch over your flower and garden beds to help insulate the soil and protect plant roots from freezing temperatures.
Tip: For especially sensitive plants, consider wrapping them in burlap or using protective covers to shield them from cold winds and snow.
A Quick Fall Cleanup for a Healthier Spring
Taking the time for a thorough fall yard cleanup in Buffalo is one of the best ways to ensure a healthier, greener yard when spring arrives. Each step raking leaves, trimming plants, aerating, fertilizing, and protecting garden beds works together to protect your yard from winter's effects. And when the snow melts, you'll be rewarded with a yard that's ready to thrive.
With these tips, your yard will not only look tidier throughout winter but will also have a strong foundation for a lush, vibrant lawn and garden in the warmer months.
*Looking for the right tools to do the job? Stay Tuned for the next blog post this week
Top 5 Tools for Effortless Leaf Raking This Fall