As the days get shorter and the air turns crisp, it’s time to prepare your garden for the cooler months ahead. Autumn is more than just a season of falling leaves and cosy sweaters, it’s also the perfect opportunity to give your outdoor space some much-needed care before winter arrives. Whether you’re an avid gardener or a weekend potterer, these autumn garden cleaning tips will help keep your yard tidy, healthy, and ready for a fresh start next spring.
1. Rake & remove fallen leaves.
While golden leaves are beautiful, leaving them to pile up on your lawn can smother grass and create the perfect breeding ground for mold. Regular raking is essential during autumn. Gather fallen leaves into compost piles or use them as mulch in garden beds, a great way to reuse organic matter naturally.
2. Trim & prune where needed.
Pruning dead or overgrown branches helps trees and shrubs stay healthy during their dormant months. Focus on cutting back perennials, removing any diseased or dead growth, and shaping hedges. This step not only improves your garden’s appearance but also prevents damage from winter storms.
3. Weed & mulch.
One of the most overlooked autumn garden cleaning tasks is weeding. Many weeds go to seed in late summer and early autumn, which means removing them now helps stop them from sprouting next season. After weeding, apply a thick layer of mulch to protect soil from erosion and temperature fluctuations, and to retain moisture.
4. Clean & store garden tools.
Before you hang up your gloves for the season, give your tools a little TLC. Clean off dirt and sap, sharpen blades, and store everything in a dry space to avoid rust. A well-organised tool shed or storage bench can extend the life of your gardening gear and save you from replacing tools year after year.
5. Prep your lawn & plant bulbs.
Give your lawn some love with a final mow, aeration, and fertiliser treatment suited for autumn. Now is also the ideal time to plant spring-flowering bulbs like tulips and daffodils. You’ll thank yourself when your garden bursts into colour after winter.
Tackling these autumn garden cleaning tasks now means fewer headaches when spring rolls around. And if you’re short on time, Sweepsouth can connect you with trusted outdoor SweepStars to handle the heavy lifting—from leaf clearing to hedge trimming.
Let this autumn be the season you finally take control of your garden and prepare it for rest, renewal, and a stunning spring revival.
ALSO SEE: EASY AUTUMN RECIPES – THE BEST RECIPES TO WARM YOUR SOUL.
