With autumn creeping in slowly, it’s time to start considering what to do around your yard to prepare it for the next few months. Now, before you decide to dig a hole and plant an apple tree, read on to find the simple steps you can take to a cleaner yard.

Prepare Yourself

Take a deep breath, walk outside, and tell us what you see. Is there a problem with a specific part of your landscape? Don’t worry. Whatever the issue is, we can help you prepare. Make sure to pack the proper gardening tools for your garden as you get ready to replace flowers and plants with others for the season. Don’t stop a project early if you miss an item; make a list of everything you’ll need, then run to the store and purchase it before you start anything.

Plan Your Attack

Before you start trimming or digging up your yard to shape up your lawn, write down your goals and a plan of action for every spot. For gardening, you’ll most likely be digging up your soil, so it’s important to note what you can do with excavated soil. If you still have some left over, consider filling in any holes with it or combining it into compost for your plants.

You can also plan a renovation project to cover up leftover dirt, such as a deck that can cover it up. You could even lay a concrete slab on top to create an additional seating area for guests. The options are limitless with what you can do with leftover soil from your yard.

Weed Your Yard

After (or even before) you excavate dirt, pull your weeds. You can also use a weed cutter or a weed-killing product to help the process move faster. Get the family involved with pulling weeds, especially the kids—consider offering an incentive, such as a dollar for every full bag of pulled weeds.

Fertilize Your Lawn

After looking over your plants and weeds, it’s time to check out your lawn. Every lawn is different, so keep an eye out for brown or bald spots, particularly in sunny or well-trafficked areas. If you’ve got a dry lawn, give it some nutrients and lots of water to help the grass grow. You can purchase fertilizer at any local gardening shop or big-box hardware store to help your grass receive the nutrients it needs.

Think About Hiring Someone

If your yard is huge or you don’t have enough time in the day to do the job justice, consider hiring extra help. Local waste management and landscaping companies can prepare your yard for the cold months ahead.

As you follow along with our guide on simple steps you can take to a cleaner yard, consider everything you’ll need to do. From your garden to your lawn, you can ensure that you’ll have a clean, healthy yard throughout the cold months.