2021 Ultimate Guide to Fall Clean-Up

2021 Ultimate Guide to Fall Clean-Up - Gilford Hardware & Outdoor Power Equipment

2021 Ultimate guide to Fall Clean-up Gilford Hardware

2021 Ultimate Guide to Fall Clean-Up


If you’re one of the many homeowners who have been putting off a fall lawn clean up, it’s time to get your act together. The fall is prime time for cleaning up your yard and preparing it for winter. 

Fall in New England means it's time to clean up your yard! Cleaning up the leaves and debris is necessary. Nobody likes a messy yard or garden. Let's start with the checklist of products you'll need. The best way to clean up your lawn is to start with this easy-to-follow article. I'll give you some helpful tips that will make the process easier.


What are the benefits of cleaning my yard in the Fall?  

If you're a homeowner, chances are you have a yard that could use some attention. From trimming your hedges to raking leaves, there's no shortage of tasks that need to be done. But how do you decide which ones to tackle first? See this article for tips on how to prioritize your yard clean-up efforts for the fall season.

If you leave debris and leaves on your yard during the winter, it will be much tougher to get rid of them in the spring. A clean lawn is also much more aesthetically pleasing for you, and your neighbors! Debris in your lawn and garden can cause problems long term, when you blanket your lawn with leaves it can prevent growth, plus it will eventually rot. (Not the good kind for fertilizer either!)  Believe it or Not, Fall is the best time to fertilize your lawn! Many people forget to fertilize their lawn because they won't see it for months, and it will probably die but Fall fertilization pays off, since it will be ready-to-grow in the spring with all of the proper nutrients. (Nitrogen is the most important during fall lawn fertilization)


2021 Ultimate Guide to Fall Clean up Gilford Hardware

I've included two versions, a budget version and a 'pro' version, both will accomplish the same thing, cleaning your lawn for the winter. 

The Budget
✔ Hand Pruner
✔ Leaf Rake
✔ Paper Leaf Bags
✔ Milorganite
✔ Hand Spreader
The Pro
✔ Loppers
✔ Pruners
✔ Pole saw (Manual or powered)
✔ Leaf Rake
✔ Pop up Leaf Debris Container
✔ STIHL blower
✔Scotts Step 4 Fall Fertilizer

The Budget

Step 1. Remove large debris from your lawn or garden, this could be dead branches, random debris, dog toys, hoses, etc. Either throw them away, or place them in your garage. (depending on what it is)

Step 2. Scan the property for dead, dying and or broken branches and debris. You will want to use a pair of loppers or pruners if you have to cleanly cut them from the trees. The reason you want to do this is because they will eventually fall to the ground, and they could become more of a nuisance later. It's also good for plants and trees to be pruned routinely. 

Step 3. Rake! Grab your trusty rake and start raking the leaves. To make your job easier you can turn your lawn into different segments, take your leaf bags and put them in areas where you can easily rake to. Rake the leaves into a pile next to the bags, and then fill the bags. They actually hold a lot of leaves and debris for their size! 

Step 4. Once your lawn is spotless of debris, It's time to fertilize. We recommend Milorganite fertilizer because it's a great all around fertilizer, and it's great for fall fertilization. This is due to it's high nitrogen content which helps the lawn in a variety of different ways. One 36 lb. Bag of Milorganite covers about 2,500 square feet of lawn. You might need more, or you might need less. You can over-use Milorganite but it won't harm your lawn long term.   


The Professional

Step 1. Dead branches, random rubbish, dog toys, hoses, and other significant debris should be removed from your yard or garden. Either dispose of them or store them in your garage. (depending on the situation)

Step 2. Examine the property for any dead, dying, or broken branches, as well as debris. If you need to cleanly cut them from the trees, you'll need a pair of loppers or pruners. You might also need a pole saw (gasoline powered or manual) to take down branches which have fallen higher up.  You should do this since they will eventually fall to the ground and become a problem later. Pruning plants and trees on a regular basis is also beneficial.

Step 3. Fire up your favorite STIHL leaf blower and start clearing debris! You may make your job easier by dividing your lawn into sections and placing your pop up leaf containers in areas where you can easily blow the debris to. Fill the containers by raking the leaves into them. 

Step 4. The cold months are coming and your lawn needs a little extra care. Fall is a great time to fertilize your lawn, and we recommend Scotts Step 4 Fall Fertilizer or Milorganite fertilizer. Both of these products will help your yard flourish in the winter, even when it's cold and dead. Remember to use your trusty broadcast spreader and to read the back of the bags for more accurate coverage.


Winter is on the way...

There you have it, the 2021 Ultimate Guide to Fall Clean-up. It's not the toughest or hardest do-it-yourself project in the world, it might take time.  It will pay off, since your lawn will be beautiful when spring arrives. Remember to shop local, and be safe! If you have any questions feel free to contact us!

DISCLAIMER:

The Gilford Hardware and Outdoor Power Equipment blog posts exclusively reflect the views of Gilford Hardware and Outdoor Power Equipment and do not necessarily reflect those of the device manufacturers. Please be aware that product availability, specifications, and suggested uses are subject to change. For the most recent details, always refer to the manufacturer's website and product manual.

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