Riverside Realty

Time-saving tips for a successful backyard fall cleanup

Tips to ensure a successful backyard fall cleanup effort—and to get a head start on next year’s growing season. ake those leaves. Once the snow or the rain falls, an unraked layer of leaves can get matted down over the turf and smother it all winter long. Raking helps avoid dead patches
in the spring.

Feed the grass. Using a slowrelease fertilizer allows the grass to soak up nutrients
and—just as important— spend the cool days and nights of autumn recovering from summer heat and stress.

Weed all about it. Weeding in the fall is probably the most valuable thing you
can do to prepare for spring, and it’s one that many people overlook.

Aerate. Heavy use throughout the summer can cause soil to become compacted. Perforating your lawn with small holes helps reduce compaction and lets water, air and fertilizer get down to the soil, which strengthens the grass plant’s root structure

Water trees and shrubs. Dehydration during the colder months is an all-toocommon
cause of tree damage, but it’s easily preventable. After they go fully dormant—but before the ground freezes—use a soaker hose or root irrigator to water them thoroughly.