As the leaves turn and cooler weather arrives, fall is the perfect season to prepare your yard for the months ahead. Taking care of your lawn and garden now ensures a healthier, greener, and more vibrant outdoor space when spring returns. Here’s our essential fall yard work checklist for Oakville homeowners.
Lawn Care Essentials
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Fertilize for the Season: Use a fall fertilizer with higher potassium to strengthen roots and improve winter hardiness.
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Aeration: Relieve soil compaction so water, air, and nutrients can reach the roots.
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Overseeding: Fill in bare spots to ensure a thick, lush lawn next spring.
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Rake Regularly: Don’t let leaves smother your grass. A clean lawn is a healthy lawn.
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Final Mow: Keep grass slightly shorter (around 2.5–3 inches) before the first frost.
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Grub Control: Treat in late summer through early fall (August–October) when grubs are small and close to the surface. Natural nematodes are eco-friendly and effective if applied with plenty of water. A healthy, thick lawn is your best defence against grub damage.
Garden & Flower Beds
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Cut Back Dead Growth: Trim perennials and remove annuals that won’t survive winter.
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Mulch: Add mulch to protect roots, retain soil moisture, and reduce frost damage.
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Plant Spring Bulbs: Tulips, daffodils, and crocuses should go into the ground now for a colourful spring display.
Trees and Shrubs
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Deep Watering: Hydrate trees and shrubs before the ground freezes.
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Prune with Care: Remove dead or damaged branches to reduce storm risk.
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Protect Young Trees: Wrap trunks with burlap or guards to prevent cracking and animal damage.
General Yard Maintenance
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Clear Gutters: Prevent water backup and ice dams in winter.
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Store Tools & Hoses: Drain hoses, shut off outdoor taps, and store tools to avoid freezing damage.
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Turn Off Irrigation: Shut down sprinkler systems, blow out lines if needed, and close exterior water valves to prevent costly freeze damage.
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Patio & Walkways: Power wash or clean off oil and leaf stains before snow arrives.
Why Fall Yard Work Matters
From fertilizing and overseeding to grub control and shutting down irrigation, fall tasks protect your yard through the winter and set the stage for spring growth. A little effort now means fewer problems (and expenses) later — and it also boosts curb appeal if you’re thinking of selling in the spring.
At The Fisher Group, we believe a well-kept yard adds more than beauty — it adds value. Whether you’re staying or preparing to sell, fall is the season to invest in your property.
Looking for more seasonal homeowner tips? Follow The Fisher Group for local expertise on real estate, lifestyle, and home care in Oakville.
