September is here, you guys. Summer growth is starting to slow, leaves are about to fall, and Seattle’s wet season is coming. The yard will keep growing, though. We live in a place where weeds and plants don’t just disappear for the winter, so fall is a good time to get ahead of the work.
Keep it simple. Start by weeding the beds and trimming shrubs that have grown out of shape. Mow the lawn while it’s still growing. Once the deciduous trees start dropping leaves, rake or blow them off the lawn and paths. You don’t have to wait until every leaf has fallen to begin.
If you want to do the cleanup yourself, a good rake and an electric leaf blower can handle a lot of it. Spend 15 to 30 minutes on the yard each weekend and you may avoid paying for a large cleanup later. I use EGO electric tools because I don’t have to deal with gas.
If you’re buying a blower, pay attention to its power, run time, and battery size. A larger compatible battery generally gives you more time to work before recharging. For raking, get a sturdy rake that feels comfortable to use. A wider rake can cover more ground, but it also takes more effort to pull through a heavy pile of wet leaves.
Don’t leave a thick blanket of leaves sitting on your lawn for months. It blocks light and holds moisture against the grass. A few scattered leaves are one thing; a heavy, matted layer is another. Clear the bulk of them, especially from lawns, drains, stairs, and walkways.
Before the storms arrive, look for branches rubbing against the house, blocking paths, or hanging where they could cause trouble. Small shrubs and reachable branches may be work you can handle.
For large limbs, trees near power lines, or anything that needs a ladder and a saw, call someone equipped for that work.
You can also clean out garden beds and add bark where it’s needed. If you have an irrigation system, make a plan to winterize it before freezing weather arrives. That’s easier than dealing with a damaged line later.
That’s really the fall routine: weed, trim, mow, rake, and haul away the excess. Do what you can yourself. If the yard is too large or the work has piled up, get a few quotes and make sure each contractor is pricing the same scope.
Field note: Don’t try to finish every fall task in one weekend. Keep leaves from piling up, clear the areas you use, and take care of problem branches before the winter storms. What you do now will make the yard easier to manage in spring.