Fall Clean-Up Checklist for Your Houston Landscape | Yard Care Tips

​As the vibrant greens of summer transition into the cozy tones of fall, your Houston landscape needs a bit of care to stay healthy and beautiful. Fall is the perfect time to tidy up your yard and prepare it for the cooler months. With Houston's unique climate, which features mild winters but can still bring surprising weather changes, a thorough fall clean-up ensures your landscape will thrive through fall and winter, emerging strong in spring. Here’s a comprehensive checklist to keep your yard looking great during the fall season.
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1. Leaf Removal

​Fallen leaves can quickly accumulate in your yard, covering your lawn and flowerbeds. While they add a rustic touch, too many leaves can block sunlight and trap moisture, leading to mold growth and suffocating your lawn. Here’s how to handle them:
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• Rake or blow leaves regularly. Don’t let them pile up. A good leaf blower makes quick work of large areas.
• Mulch leaves into your lawn. Instead of bagging all those leaves, mulch them with a mower to add organic matter back into your soil.
• Compost the excess. Fall leaves make an excellent addition to your compost pile, helping you recycle yard waste for next year’s garden.

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2. Trim Trees and Shrubs

​Before winter sets in, give your trees and shrubs a good trim to keep them healthy and reduce the risk of damage from unexpected storms or cold snaps.
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• Remove dead or damaged branches. Pruning prevents them from falling and causing damage during storms.
• Shape shrubs for a neat appearance. Keep hedges and shrubs tidy by shaping them while their growth is slowing down.
• Cut back perennials. Many perennials benefit from cutting back in fall, encouraging new growth in the spring.

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3. Clear Out Flower Beds

​Your flowerbeds can accumulate debris, weeds, and old plants during the fall. A good clean-up will keep them looking fresh.
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• Pull out dead plants. Remove annuals that are past their prime to prevent disease.
• Weed thoroughly. Get ahead of weed growth before winter sets in.
• Add mulch. A fresh layer of mulch helps insulate plant roots and prevents erosion. Fall is the perfect time to add organic mulch to protect soil and help plants retain moisture.

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​4. Winterize Your Irrigation System

​Houston winters are mild, but it’s still essential to winterize your irrigation system to prevent damage from cold snaps and ensure a smooth start-up in spring.
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• Drain the system. If you have an automatic sprinkler system, drain the water from the pipes to avoid freezing and cracking.
• Shut off the water supply. Close the main water valve to the irrigation system to avoid potential freezing.
• Wrap outdoor faucets. Protect any exposed outdoor faucets with insulation or covers to prevent damage.

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5. Prepare Garden Beds for Spring

Fall is also the time to prepare your garden beds for the next growing season. With a little preparation now, you’ll be ahead when spring arrives.
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• Plant bulbs for spring. Consider planting bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and crocuses in the fall for a colorful spring display.
• Add compost to beds. Enrich your garden beds with compost or organic fertilizer, allowing nutrients to break down over the winter.
• Plan your spring garden. Take time to map out what you’ll want to plant in spring, and start gathering materials for early spring planting.

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6. Inspect and Clean Gutters

​Fall leaves can quickly clog gutters, leading to drainage issues that could damage your home and landscape.
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• Clear debris from gutters. Ensure all leaves and debris are removed from gutters and downspouts so that water can flow freely.
• Check for damage. Inspect gutters for any leaks, cracks, or damage that might need repairing before the rainy season.

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​7. Protect Outdoor Plants from Cold

Though Houston doesn’t get much frost, sudden cold snaps can still occur, especially in the later fall months.

• Cover sensitive plants. If a frost is forecasted, cover tender plants with frost cloths or blankets to protect them from damage.
• Move potted plants indoors. If you have any delicate potted plants, move them inside or into a sheltered area when the weather cools.

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8. Tend to Hardscaping

​Your hardscape elements also need attention in the fall to ensure they stay in top shape.
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• Pressure wash patios and walkways. Remove dirt, moss, and grime that may have accumulated over the summer.
• Check for cracks. Repair any cracks in concrete, stone, or brick patios to prevent further damage from expanding during colder weather.
• Clean outdoor furniture. Wash down patio furniture and store cushions indoors to keep them clean and dry.

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9. Schedule a Professional Yard Clean-Up

​Fall clean-up can be a big job, especially in larger landscapes. Sometimes, it’s easier (and more efficient) to call in the professionals.
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• Professional leaf removal. Landscapers can handle large areas of leaf build-up quickly and effectively.
• Irrigation system winterization. If you’re not comfortable winterizing your irrigation system, a professional can ensure it’s done properly.
• Tree trimming. Large or tall trees may require specialized trimming to ensure both the tree’s health and your safety.

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​By following this fall clean-up checklist, you’ll ensure your Houston landscape remains healthy and well-maintained throughout the season, leaving it ready to flourish when spring arrives. Keep your yard tidy, protect your plants, and prepare for the cooler months ahead.