Summer is almost over in New Jersey and Pennsylvania—where the HalfPriceCommissions.com Realty Team at Better Homes & Gardens Maturo Realty operates. Soon, the leaves will turn all sorts of lovely colors and a cool breeze will fill the air. For homeowners, fall is also the time to do some crucial lawn and yard maintenance.

Fall is one of the best times of the year to buy or sell a home. If you are thinking of selling your home, cleaning up your yard in the fall can provide a plethora of benefits—from keeping unwanted pests away to giving your lawn and landscaping a lush head start come spring. Use this checklist as your guide to help you tackle a couple of tasks a day. And if you can get started early and do them regularly, it'll be for the better to avoid getting overwhelmed when the busy holiday season draws neare

Rake fallen leaves regularly.

Raking leaves may seem endless, especially with fresh layers piling up on the ground every minute. Many of our clients jokingly say “Next time, sell me a condo, so somebody else will rake the leaves!” But it's probably the only crucial task to do even just a little bit every day before winter. Dead leaves, acorns, and other debris that sit on your lawn for too long can smother the grass, prevent growth, or cause a build-up of mold or bacteria that can cause damage. If left over the winter, they can become a heavy, wet barrier that promotes rot and prevents your grass from breathing properly. Also, mice and other pests can find a safe haven under those leaves and weeds. Staying on top of raking will not only make the job much less stressful but will also prevent problems with your yard’s drainage. So, whether you are thinking of selling your home or staying put, this is a must-do fall task!

Clear out garden beds and put away plant accessories.

Fall cleanup is the perfect time to get your garden prepped for winter. Be sure to clear out your garden and flower beds before the ground freezes or after your final harvest. Removing plant debris now helps prevent insects and diseases from coming back even stronger in the spring. As you clean out leaves and weeds, don’t forget to put away garden tools like labels, stakes, cages, and trellises. Give them a good cleaning to eliminate any infections, and store them safely so they’re ready to use again next year

Remove weeds thoroughly.

As fall rolls in and the temperatures start to drop, those tough lawn weeds will begin to spread. And any that survive the winter will come back even stronger next spring. To make your life easier down the road, be sure to stay on top of weeding in your garden and landscaped areas now. The more you clear out this season, the less you’ll have to tackle when the warmer weather returns.

Add a fresh layer of mulch.

After you’ve finished cleaning up your garden beds, it’s a good idea to spread a healthy layer of mulch around your trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals. This will help protect them through the winter, keeping them warmer and giving their roots some extra insulation from the cold. Mulching also helps prevent soil erosion and keeps weeds at bay. For a budget-friendly option, go with organic mulch like straw, grass clippings, mulched leaves, or pine needles. Not only will you save money, but these natural materials also return nutrients to the soil as they break down.

Keep your trees and shrubs hydrated.

Winter weather can be tough on your trees and shrubs, especially with the dry conditions that often come with it. Whether they’re newly planted or well-established, making sure they get enough water is key to helping them survive the winter without serious root damage. If there’s no snow cover or it hasn’t rained in a while, be sure to keep them hydrated so they’ll bounce back stronger and healthier come spring.

Prune dead branches and limbs.

Another key part of fall yard cleanup is taking care of any dead or damaged branches on your trees and plants. In winter, heavy snow can cause weak branches to snap, leading to even bigger problems. These branches can break off during storms or strong winds, potentially causing damage to your property. You don’t want to prune too late, though—it’s best to wait until all the leaves have fallen before trimming. Check your trees for any broken or unhealthy limbs, trim back overgrowth, and cut any cracked, loose, or diseased branches close to the trunk. Fall is also a great time to prune spring-blooming plants like lilacs and shrubs that are prone to ice damage. Just be sure not to cut any healthy branches to avoid harming your plants.

Continue mowing your lawn.

Summer may be winding down, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to put the mower away just yet. In fact, fall is the ideal season to keep mowing your lawn so it can finish the year strong and come back even lusher in the spring. Regular mowing helps thicken the grass, keeps weeds in check, and prevents it from matting, which can lead to problems like snow mold when the colder weather hits. Keep your lawn healthy now, and it will pay off big next year!

Empty porch pots and containers.

The winter months can be tough on certain containers, especially terra cotta pots, which are prone to chipping and cracking due to the freeze and thaw cycle. Once you’ve cleaned your pots, it’s a good idea to store them in a dry, protected spot like a shed or garage. If indoor space is tight, just empty the pots, flip them upside-down along the side of your house, and cover them with a tarp to keep the moisture out. This will help protect them from winter weather.

Clean and organize your gardening tools and gear.

As gardening season comes to a close and you’re gearing up for a well-deserved break, don’t forget about your tools before you settle in for a cozy evening with a homemade pumpkin spice latte or some hot chocolate. Before you stow everything away for the winter, take a few moments to give your tools and equipment the care they need. Clean off any dirt from your hand tools—trowels, weeders, shovels, and spades. Make sure to empty and rinse out your spraying equipment, and don’t forget to sharpen the blades on your pruners and mower. A quick coat of vegetable oil will help protect those blades from rust. By taking the time to clean and properly store your gardening tools now, you’ll ensure they’re in great shape and ready to go when spring rolls around.

Drain hoses and irrigation systems.

Lastly, before the freezing weather hits, make sure to drain water from hoses, sprinklers, and drip irrigation systems. Standing water in these hoses and pipes can freeze and cause them to split or crack because they can't handle the pressure of the expanding ice. This could lead to water seeping near your home's foundation or other structural issues that are both tricky and expensive to repair..

While in New Jersey all real estate commissions are negotiable, most real estate brokers average between 5% and 6%. With our flat-fee commissions of $5,000 for any home up to $1million, The HalfPriceCommissions.com Realty Team at Better Homes & Gardens Maturo Realty can save you tens of thousands of dollars when you sell (or buy! a home in NJ or PA. Call team leader David Forward at 609.354.8104 (cell) or 856.316.0777 to SAVE when you BUY and SAVE when you SELL!