5 Things You Need to Do in the Yard This Fall

Prune + Trim (But Not Everything)

Trim unruly shrubs and bushes to protect them from the weight of snow. Evergreens like barberry bushes typically need to be trimmed in the fall. But before you grab the pruners or the hedge trimmer, do a little research to find out what time of year your specific plants should be pruned. Some plants and shrubs fare better with a spring pruning.

Tidy Up Borders

Keep garden borders looking neat all winter long by edging around the sidewalk and flower beds before everything goes dormant. To properly edge, hold the string trimmer at a vertical angle so it removes the debris along its path. This will ensure crisp lines between the parallel surfaces of grass and sidewalk or grass and a flower bed.

Add Some Green

Plant evergreens in the fall after the growth has slowed and prior to the ground freezing. Evergreens also provide color throughout the cold season and windbreaks to other garden plants. Check out this list of winter-friendly evergreens to brighten your yard.

Colorize With Annuals

For added color throughout the autumn season, plant cold-tolerant annuals like pansies, mums, violas, ornamental cabbage or flowering kale. These hardy plants can be placed in containers or right in the ground. Learn what fall annuals work best in your part of the country.

Pick Up Leaves

Remove leaves and other plant debris from the lawn. If left on the grass through the winter, a thick pile of debris could cause bare spots and letting them pack down can smother the lawn and create conditions ripe for diseases. Get more tips and tricks for preparing your lawn and garden for cold weather.