As summer fades and cooler weather arrives, late September is the perfect time to prep your yard for the upcoming winter months. Proper fall landscaping ensures your lawn, plants, and hardscapes stay healthy, vibrant, and ready to bounce back in spring.

At Evolution Outdoor Living, we help homeowners across Worth, Illinois, get their yards winter-ready with expert landscaping and hardscaping services. Here’s a guide to essential fall tasks to keep your outdoor space in top shape.

1. Rake Leaves and Clear Debris

Accumulated leaves, fallen branches, and garden debris can smother grass and invite pests.

• Rake leaves regularly to prevent mold and fungus
• Remove dead plants and weeds from garden beds
• Clear fallen branches from patios, walkways, and lawns

Tip: Evolution Outdoor Living offers professional fall cleanup services to save you time and effort.

2. Mulch Flower Beds for Root Protection

Mulching is one of the easiest ways to protect your plants over winter.

• Apply 2–3 inches of organic mulch around shrubs and garden beds
• Keep mulch slightly away from plant stems to prevent rot
• Mulch helps retain soil moisture, control weeds, and insulate roots

3. Aerate and Fertilize Your Lawn

Fall is ideal for aerating and fertilizing your lawn to strengthen roots and improve growth next spring.

• Aeration reduces soil compaction, improving water and nutrient absorption
• Fertilizer provides essential nutrients for recovery from summer stress
• Overseed any thin or bare patches to promote a full, healthy lawn

4. Prune Trees and Shrubs

Proper pruning prepares your yard for winter and prevents damage from snow and ice.

• Trim dead, weak, or diseased branches
• Shape shrubs to encourage healthy growth
• Remove any branches that could damage structures or hardscaping

Pro Tip: Large trees or intricate pruning is best handled by professionals like Evolution Outdoor Living.

5. Inspect and Maintain Hardscaping Features

Patios, retaining walls, walkways, and fire pits should be checked before winter.

• Look for cracks or loose stones
• Clean surfaces to remove dirt, mold, or moss
• Apply sealant to protect from moisture and freeze damage

Get Your Yard Ready with Evolution Outdoor Living

Fall landscaping is the key to a healthy, vibrant yard next spring. Evolution Outdoor Living can help with everything from leaf cleanup and pruning to hardscape inspection and mulching.

👉 Contact us today to schedule your fall landscaping service and protect your outdoor spaces before winter sets in!