Fall clean-up checklist for GTA yards

A good fall clean-up protects your lawn and garden over winter and makes spring far easier. In the GTA the best window is late October to early November, once most of the leaves are down but before the ground freezes.

1. Get the leaves off the lawn

A thick layer of wet leaves blocks light and traps moisture against the grass all winter. That is an invitation for snow mould and thin, patchy turf in spring. Clear leaves from the lawn, and don't forget the corners along fences and under shrubs where they pile up.

2. Give the lawn its last cut

Keep mowing until the grass stops growing. The final cut of the season can be slightly shorter than your summer height, which helps the lawn dry out and resist disease under the snow.

3. Cut back perennials (selectively)

Cut back perennials that tend to rot or harbour disease over winter. Many gardeners leave sturdy seed heads and ornamental grasses standing for winter interest and for birds, then cut them in spring.

4. Weed and edge the beds

Weeds pulled now won't seed or get a head start next spring. A crisp edge on the beds keeps the lawn from creeping in and makes spring clean-up quicker.

5. Clear hard surfaces

Leaves on walkways, patios and driveways get slippery and stain some surfaces. Blow them clear as part of the clean-up.

6. Deal with the yard waste

Most GTA municipalities collect leaf and yard waste in paper yard-waste bags on scheduled days in the fall. Check your city's collection calendar, or have the waste removed as part of your clean-up.

Short on time?

A professional fall clean-up covers all of this in a single visit. Twisted Oak Landscaping offers free quotes and replies within 24 hours.