Fall in Ontario is a beautiful season—crisp mornings, colourful leaves, and the promise of cozy nights ahead. But before winter settles in, there’s important yard work to tackle. A thorough fall clean-up not only keeps your property looking its best but also protects your lawn, garden, and outdoor spaces from damage caused by heavy snow and ice.

Here’s your ultimate fall yard clean-up checklist to get your home ready for the colder months.

RAKE AND REMOVE LEAVES

Ontario yards are full of maple, oak, and birch trees—beautiful in autumn, but their fallen leaves can smother grass if left behind. Rake regularly or use a leaf blower to keep your lawn clear. Bag the leaves for municipal collection or consider composting to create nutrient-rich soil for spring.

Cut Back Perennials and Annuals

Trim back dead stems from perennials like hostas, daylilies, and peonies. Pull out spent annuals such as petunias and marigolds to reduce disease and pests. Leaving perennials tidy also makes spring gardening easier.

Prune Trees and Shrubs

Prune overgrown branches, especially those close to your home or power lines. Removing dead or weak limbs helps prevent winter storm damage. For evergreens and shrubs like cedars, trimming in fall keeps them neat and prevents breakage from heavy snow.

Aerate and Fertilize the Lawn

Fall is the ideal time to aerate your lawn to improve root growth. After aeration, apply a fall fertilizer rich in potassium—this helps grass withstand cold temperatures and bounce back greener in the spring.

Plant Spring Bulbs

Want a colourful yard after the snow melts? Fall is the time to plant bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and crocuses. Choose a sunny spot, dig down a few inches, and cover with soil and mulch for protection.

Clean and Store Garden Tools

Give your tools a wipe-down before storing them for winter. Drain and coil hoses, shut off outdoor faucets, and clean out planters and pots so they’re ready to go in spring.

Tidy Outdoor Living Spaces

Sweep patios, decks, and walkways. Put away patio furniture or cover it to protect from snow and ice. Cleaning these areas now prevents slippery build-up later.

Clear Eavestroughs (Gutters) and Downspouts

Ontario’s mix of leaves and autumn rain can clog gutters quickly. Clean out eavestroughs and downspouts so melting snow has a clear path away from your home, preventing ice dams and water damage.

Prepare for Snow Removal

Check that your snow shovels and blower are in working order. Stock up on eco-friendly de-icing products before the first snowfall. Being ready now saves stress when winter storms hit.

✔️ BONUS: Hire professional Help

A proper fall clean-up takes time and energy. If you’re short on either, hiring a professional property care team can ensure your yard is ready for winter without the hassle..

🍁 Ready for a Stress-Free Fall Clean-Up?

At Malinis Property Services, we take care of the heavy lifting so you can enjoy the season. From raking leaves and clearing gutters to tidying up your garden, our team will leave your yard winter-ready.

👉 Book your fall clean-up today:malinis.ca/book-now

A Fall Yard Clean-Up Checklist for Ontario Home Owners