Fall Yard Cleanup Checklist for Ontario Homeowners

Short answer: A complete fall yard cleanup in Ontario covers leaves, garden beds, the final mow, shrubs, hard surfaces, drains, planters and outdoor gear, finished before the ground freezes in late November.

The checklist

Lawn

• Clear leaves from the whole lawn, front, back and sides.
• Final mow to a normal height, not scalped.
• Rake out thin or bare spots and note them for spring seeding.

Garden beds

• Cut back soft perennials such as hostas and daylilies.
• Leave ornamental grasses and seed heads if you like the winter look.
• Pull annuals and weeds, remove diseased foliage.

Shrubs and hedges

• Remove broken or rubbing branches before snow load.
• Tie up upright evergreens that splay under heavy snow.

Hard surfaces and drainage

• Blow off the driveway, walkways, steps and patio.
• Clear leaves from downspout outlets, catch basins and window wells.

Planters and outdoor items

• Empty and clean planters, store fragile pots.
• Drain and store garden hoses.
• Store or cover patio furniture.

Winter prep

• Mark driveway edges and garden beds for the plow crew.
• Book snow removal before the first storm.

When to do it

Between late October and late November in Markham, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Aurora and Newmarket, after most leaves are down and perennials have gone dormant.

When to call a professional

If the list above looks like two weekends, a crew can usually do it in a few hours. See our fall yard cleanup service.

Questions homeowners ask

Should I fertilize in the fall?

A fall lawn feeding is common in Ontario. Apply it before the ground freezes and follow the product label.

Should I aerate in the fall?

Early fall is a good time for compacted lawns, ideally before leaf season.

Do I need to wrap shrubs?

Only tender or exposed shrubs, and those near salted driveways, usually need protection.