Autumn Yard & Garden Clean Up Tips

Critter-Repellent.com Staff • October 19, 2018

Good Care this Autumn Means Better Results Next Spring

Autumn Leafs

The cooler weather of autumn brings more than just frosty mornings and pumpkin spice everything. After a summer of growing, your yard and garden are ready for a thorough clean-up before the snow covers everything for the winter.

Not everything you need to do in the fall is literally about cleaning up, but there are a number of chores you shouldn't ignore.

Rake up the Leaves

This is the biggest clean up chore in the autumn for anyone with trees around their property. Contrary to popular belief, letting the leaves just stay out there isn't likely to kill the grass unless you have a very thick layer. So don't necessarily break your back with too much raking when you have other things to do.

Clean up Garden Debris

Fallen leaves are only part of the mess that autumn always brings. Gardens end up filled with dead plants that need to be dealt with, along with other messes that seem to accumulate over the summer. Pull up and dispose of all your annual plants once they have died back, and prune any perennials that you are leaving until next year. Tidy up the empty beds of any stray rocks or sticks too, so that the area is ready to work in the spring.

NEED 100% ALL NATURAL ANIMAL REPELLENT FOR YOUR YARD? GET IT HERE

Don't Forget the Mulch

If you are raking up leaves from the lawn, you can put them to good use by mulching the now-bare gardening areas. This protects the exposed soil from the harsh conditions of winter, and prevents any erosion at the same time. Add a nice thick layer of leaves to any spots in the yard that is exposed to the elements.

Don't Forget Your Tools

When the garden tools are retired to the shed until spring, you should clean them up first. Leaving a layer of crusty mud on your shovel or wads of leafy bits in pruning shears is an invitation for rust and other corrosion over the winter. Clean all your garden tools, and even give them a light rubbing with oil to add even more protection against rust.

Tend to Yard Decorations

Even outside decor that is intended to be weather resistant should be taken care of before winter. They will last a lot longer if not exposed to the ice and snow. Pack them up in the shed or basement, and redecorate in the spring.

Take Care of Sensitive Plants

Getting your plants ready isn't really about cleaning up though it is just as important. Shrubs and perennials should be pruned and trimmed back, and you might want to think about wrapping larger plants in burlap. This not only protects against ice damage, it also keeps any deer from taking a nibble once the snow has covered up most other plants. A little extra mulch around and over perennials isn't a bad idea either.

Your yard will do much better in the spring if you put in the effort now with these various clean up and maintenance chores. That means you will be able to start planting as soon as it warms up, and not have to tackle any cleaning next year.


Critter Repellent All Natural Animal Repellent Blog

Rabbit
April 25, 2025
As spring rolls in, so does the uptick in rabbit activity. Breeding season, increased feeding, and yard destruction are all part of the spring rabbit surge. Learn how to safeguard your lawn and garden with natural solutions.
Pest activity
March 19, 2025
Learn how to prepare your home for the seasonal surge in pests and keep them from invading your space.
Mouse
February 20, 2025
Mouse infestations can lead to significant health risks and property damage. Learn about common mistakes in mouse control and discover updated strategies for effectively preventing and eliminating these pests from your home.
By Teri Silver February 6, 2025
The last thing you want to see running around your house is a mouse. And where there is one, there are more. Whether it’s mice, ants, spiders, squirrels, or any other type of rodent, bird, or insect infestation, ignoring those critters can get very expensive in the long run. When it comes to remediating or protecting your home from infestations, the cost of doing nothing can lead to a big dent in your wallet. Keeping house pests at bay is important, especially if you’re planning to put the home on the sales market. How much does it cost to keep the house and property pest-free? That depends on where you live, what types of services needed, and how often the home is treated. But one thing is for sure, it’s easier (and more cost-effective) to prevent house damage than to fix everything after critters have chewed up wires, plumbing, foundation, and the yard. Potential Structural Damage Squirrels, moles, voles, rats, and mice are part of nature, but the damage that even one of these critters can do to a home can run into thousands of dollars. With sharp teeth that never stop growing, squirrels and rodents must “file down” their chompers so they don’t interfere with eating and drinking. Thus, a squirrel’s chewing habits can damage house support beams, siding, and anything else that holds the structure up. The costs to repair the building depend on the severity of the damage. Birds’ nests and clogged gutters are signs that unwanted critters are in the building’s drainage system. Replacing damaged gutters can cost several thousand dollars—to start. On average, it’ll cost between $1,600 and $5,200 (depending on size, materials, and labor costs). Wiring and Insulation Chewed-up electrical wiring is not only a hassle but it can be very dangerous. Mice, rats, squirrels, and other critters will gnaw through wires, not knowing that they can electrocute themselves but worse — start a house fire. Homeowners won’t necessarily see exposed wires around the house. Examining the house structure and wiring allows owners to know what to budget for. Pests and vermin living in the attic may tear up insulation to use for nesting materials. Depending on the size of the house, insulation costs can be anywhere from $1,600 to $8,000 on average. Termites When it comes to destructive insects, termites are at the top of the list. These icky little bugs chew through wood almost as quickly as a cartoon buzzsaw. And the worst thing? In general, homeowners’ insurance does NOT cover termite damage. Signs of termite infestation and damage include: Chewed up or hollow wood Blisters or buckling in the flooring Discarded termite wings Bubbling paint Strips of mud tubes along crevices Damaged support beams Tapping sounds in the walls The cost of repairing termite damage can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars—or more, depending on what part of the house is torn up and what needs to be done. Preventing termites in the yard and hiring a professional exterminator are two ways of keeping these hungry critters away from your home. Pest Entry Points Cracks and crevices are easy access points for mice, insects, wasps, and other pests. Unscreened vents and windows, loose shingles and siding, and chimney gaps are entry points for bugs and mice. Not having trees and shrubs around the perimeter of the house won’t prevent squirrels and mice from coming onto your property, but keeping greenery away from the structure would deter critters from having direct access to it. Perceived Value Whether your house is currently for sale or it’s a plan for the future, having pests and vermin roaming around the property can keep the buyers away. Among the financial considerations, house-hunting taps the emotions of the would-be buyer. No matter what the item is, perceived value is a customer’s view of whether it is worth the money. An infested home has lost its marketing value, especially if a mouse runs across the floor during the negotiating stage. The cost of doing nothing when you should be doing something can lead to a huge repair bill and maybe even a home improvement loan or second mortgage on your house. Ignoring the problems won’t make them go away. If wildlife and insects are damaging your home, do something about it sooner than later.
Pest-Proof Insulation
January 18, 2025
Pest-proof insulation is a game-changing solution for homeowners looking to prevent unwanted intrusions and lower energy costs. Learn how this innovative product protects your property from pests while boosting energy efficiency.
Home Maintenance
January 9, 2025
Proper home and business maintenance is the first step in preventing pest infestations. Learn how regular upkeep, repairs, and preventive measures can keep pests out and ensure your property remains safe, clean, and pest-free.
Green Pest Control
December 10, 2024
Discover the latest eco-friendly technologies and treatments revolutionizing pest control. From organic solutions to advanced traps, learn how innovative methods reduce pest problems while prioritizing environmental health.
Pest Control Issues
November 27, 2024
Apartment buildings are especially vulnerable to pest infestations due to shared spaces and frequent tenant turnover. Learn about the top pest issues in apartment complexes and how management can implement preventative measures to keep them under control.
Pest Invasion
November 25, 2024
Unseasonably warm weather drives pests like rodents, insects, and other invaders into homes earlier than expected. Learn how the changing climate affects pest behavior and discover effective ways to protect your home from infestations.
Woodchuck
October 21, 2024
Woodchucks, known as groundhogs, can destroy gardens and yards. Learn about their habits, diet, and the most effective methods for keeping them off your property to protect your landscape.
More Posts