7 Things to Do Around Your Yard This October

October is one of the best times of year to get outside and take care of your property. The weather is cooler, the leaves are changing, and there’s still time to tackle some important landscaping projects before winter sets in.

For homeowners in the Catonsville, Ellicott City, Arbutus, Owings Mills, and Westminster areas, fall is a good time to check on your trees, clean up the yard, and take care of a few things that can make a difference come spring.

Here are seven things worth putting on your fall to-do list.

1. Take a Good Look at Your Trees - Before the leaves are gone, take some time to look over the trees on your property. Are there dead branches? Do you see limbs hanging over your roof or driveway? Are any branches cracked or unusually close to your house? These are things you don’t want to overlook as you head into winter. Strong winds, heavy snow, and ice can put added stress on damaged branches. If something doesn’t look right, it’s worth having a professional take a closer look. 

2. Plan Your Tree Pruning for the Dormant Season - Fall is a good time to start planning tree work, especially if you have mature trees that need attention. Many deciduous trees can be pruned during their dormant season, although the best timing depends on the species and the tree's condition. Oak trees are especially important to consider. In Maryland, pruning oaks during late fall and winter generally helps reduce the risk of oak wilt, a serious disease that can spread through insect activity and infected trees. Dead or dangerous branches may need attention sooner, so don’t put off a safety concern just because it’s not the ideal pruning season. If you’ve been meaning to have your trees checked, October is a good time to get on the schedule.

3. Don’t Let the Leaves Take Over Your Lawn - We all enjoy the fall colors, but once those leaves start piling up, they can become a problem for your grass. A thick layer of leaves blocks sunlight and holds moisture against the lawn. Left too long, it can leave you with bare or damaged spots in the spring. You don’t necessarily have to remove every leaf. Mulching them with a mower works well when the layer is light enough. You can also collect them for compost or use them in garden beds where appropriate. The key is not letting them build up into a thick, wet mat.

4. Give Your Lawn Some Attention Before Winter - Fall is an important time for lawns in Maryland, particularly those made up of tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass. Cooler temperatures make October a good time for certain lawn care tasks, including overseeding thin areas and aerating compacted soil. Fertilization may also be appropriate, depending on your lawn’s needs. Keep mowing as long as the grass continues to grow, and avoid cutting it too short as the season winds down.

5. Clean Up Your Landscape Beds - Fall cleanup doesn’t mean cutting everything back to the ground. Some perennials and ornamental grasses look great through the winter. Start by removing weeds, picking up debris, and trimming back plants as needed. It’s also a good opportunity to spot overgrown shrubs, bare spots, and other areas that could use some attention before next season.

6. Check the Mulch Around Your Trees and Shrubs - Take a look at your mulch. If it’s worn thin, you may want to add a little more before winter. Mulch helps the soil retain moisture and regulates temperature changes around your plant’s roots. In most cases, two to three inches of mulch is ok. One thing to watch for: Don’t pile mulch against the trunks of trees or the stems of shrubs. Keep it pulled back a few inches to avoid unnecessary moisture and decay problems.

7. Take Care of Outdoor Projects Before Winter - Have you been putting off removing an unwanted tree, cleaning up an overgrown area, or fixing a spot in the yard where water collects?

October is a good time to review those projects and decide what should be addressed before winter. Weather and ground conditions will affect what’s practical, but planning gives you more options than waiting until spring. It’s also a good time to start thinking about next year’s landscaping projects. If you’ve been considering changes to your yard, now is the time to start making a list.

Fall is a busy season for homeowners, but a little planning can go a long way. Taking care of your trees, keeping leaves under control, and giving your lawn and landscape some attention can help make spring cleanup easier. If your property needs tree work, a fall cleanup, or help with other landscaping projects, Edwin’s Landscaping and Tree Service is here to help.

We’re proud to serve homeowners in Baltimore & Howard County, including Catonsville, Ellicott City, Sykesville, Woodstock, Marriottsville, Columbia, Elkridge, Clarksville, Woodbine, Eldersburg,  West Friendship, Arbutus, Owings Mills, Westminster, and Pikesville.