The Ultimate Fall Garden Cleanup Checklist

As summer fades and the leaves begin to fall, your garden needs a little extra care before Ontario’s first frost arrives. Proper fall garden cleanup not only keeps your yard looking tidy but also prepares your plants, soil, and lawn for winter’s chill — ensuring a healthier, greener landscape next spring.

In this post, we’ll cover everything homeowners should include in their end-of-season maintenance routine, plus a few professional tips to make the job easier.

🍂 Why Fall Cleanup Matters

Fall is your final opportunity to give your yard the attention it deserves before winter takes over. Completing a thorough cleanup now helps:

• 🌱 Prevent plant disease and pest infestations
• ❄️ Protect perennials and shrubs from frost damage
• 💧 Improve soil health for spring planting
• 🌷 Encourage stronger root development before dormancy
• 💪 Reduce cleanup workload next spring

👉 A clean, prepped garden in fall = a thriving one in spring.

🧹 The Ultimate Fall Garden Cleanup Checklist

1. Remove Annuals & Prune Perennials

• Pull out dead annual flowers and vegetables — they won’t survive the frost.
• Cut back perennials like hostas, peonies, and daylilies, leaving a few inches above soil level.
• Discard diseased plants rather than composting them to avoid spreading fungi or pests.

2. Rake and Remove Fallen Leaves

• A thick layer of leaves traps moisture and suffocates your lawn.
• Rake or mulch leaves to use as compost or natural soil insulation.
• Clean out garden beds, corners, and around fences where leaves collect.

3. Weed Thoroughly Before Winter

• Weeds can overwinter and multiply quickly in spring.
• Pull them out by the roots while soil is still soft.

4. Clean and Mulch Garden Beds

• Spread 2–3 inches of mulch around perennials and shrubs.
• Helps regulate soil temperature, retain moisture, and protect roots from freezing.

5. Protect Trees and Shrubs

• Wrap young trees with burlap or plastic guards to prevent frost cracks and rodent damage.
• Water deeply before the ground freezes to strengthen roots.

6. Empty and Store Garden Hoses & Tools

• Drain hoses and disconnect outdoor faucets to prevent freezing.
• Clean and oil garden tools before storing for winter.

7. Plan for Next Spring

• Make notes on what thrived and what didn’t this season.
• Consider adding fall bulbs like tulips and daffodils for early colour next year.

🧰 Pro Tip: Combine Cleanup with Lawn Care

After tidying up your garden, finish strong by:

• Aerating and fertilizing your lawn
• Overseeding thin areas
• Cleaning gutters and downspouts to prevent drainage issues

🏡 Professional Fall Cleanup Services in Ontario

At Contract Link, we take the hassle out of seasonal yard maintenance. Serving Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph, Cambridge, Hamilton, and Brantford, we offer:

✔️ Full fall garden and yard cleanups
✔️ Leaf collection and disposal
✔️ Pruning, edging, and mulching services
✔️ Lawn aeration and fertilization packages
✔️ End-of-season prep for perennials, shrubs, and trees

👉 Book Your Fall Cleanup Service Today

Give your yard the perfect send-off before winter — your garden will thank you come spring. 🌿🍁❄️