As the leaves fall and temperatures drop, now’s the time to give your yard the TLC it needs with our final fall yard prep checklist before winter arrives. A little prep work in late October goes a long way toward protecting your lawn, plants, and hardscaping from snow, ice, and freezing temperatures.

At Evolution Outdoor Living, we specialize in helping homeowners across Worth, Illinois, get their properties winter-ready. Use our final fall yard prep checklist to make sure your outdoor space stays healthy, safe, and beautiful until spring returns.

1. Clear Leaves and Debris

Fallen leaves might look picturesque, but leaving them on your lawn can cause big problems later. Piles of damp leaves can trap moisture, leading to mold, disease, and dead grass come spring.

What to do:

• Rake or mulch fallen leaves weekly.
• Clear debris from garden beds, patios, and walkways.
• Remove dead annuals and spent vegetables from garden areas.

Pro Tip: Schedule a professional fall cleanup with Evolution Outdoor Living to save yourself hours of raking and hauling.

2. Fertilize and Aerate Your Lawn

Fall is one of the best times to strengthen your lawn for next year. A well-fed and aerated lawn will bounce back greener and thicker in the spring.

Steps to take:

• Apply a fall fertilizer rich in nitrogen and potassium.
• Aerate compacted soil to improve airflow and nutrient absorption.
• Overseed patchy areas before the first frost.

Evolution Outdoor Living offers complete fall lawn care services to make sure your yard heads into winter strong and healthy.

3. Prune and Protect Trees and Shrubs

Late fall pruning helps prevent damage from heavy snow and ice and encourages healthy growth next year.

Tips:

• Remove any dead or weak branches that could snap under snow.
• Cut back perennials that have finished blooming.
• Wrap young trees or delicate shrubs in burlap to protect them from harsh winds.

4. Mulch Garden Beds for Winter Protection

Mulch isn’t just about looks—it’s one of the best defenses against winter damage.

Why it matters:

• Helps regulate soil temperature.
• Prevents roots from freezing.
• Retains moisture during dry winter months.

Apply 2–3 inches of fresh mulch around shrubs, trees, and flower beds (but keep it away from the base of trunks and stems).

5. Check and Protect Your Hardscaping

Winter can be tough on patios, walkways, and retaining walls. Freeze-thaw cycles can cause cracks and shifting if not properly maintained.

To-do list:

• Sweep and power wash debris from hard surfaces.
• Seal stone or concrete to protect from water damage.
• Inspect retaining walls for loose blocks or erosion.

Evolution Outdoor Living can perform hardscape inspections and repairs before winter sets in.

6. Prepare Your Irrigation and Gutters

Before freezing temps hit, don’t forget to shut down and winterize your irrigation system. Frozen water lines can cause costly damage.

Also:

• Clean out gutters and downspouts to prevent ice dams.
• Check for proper drainage around your foundation and patios.

Our team offers irrigation blowouts and gutter cleaning services to help homeowners get ready for the cold season.

Protect Your Yard Now for a Healthy Spring

Taking care of your yard this fall means less work—and more beauty—come spring. From lawn care and pruning to mulch and hardscape maintenance, Evolution Outdoor Living is here to help you finish the season strong.

👉 Contact us today to schedule your fall cleanup or winter prep service before the first freeze hits. Let’s keep your landscape looking its best all year long!