Although spring is the season that most people polish up their green thumbs, autumn is really the best season to lay the groundwork for next year’s show.

Here are some tips for what you can do to keep your landscaping looking its best during the fall season, and to ensure a spectacular spring show:

Lawn

	Continue to mow and take care of weeds, but slow down on any watering you’re doing as your lawn does not need to “drink” as much now.
	Aerate the grass to boost water penetration and reduce water runoff.
	Fertilize to strengthen the lawn’s roots and give it a stronger base upon which to grow come spring. Use a balanced mix of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium and, if possible, do two applications — one in early October and another in November.

Trees and shrubs

	Plant or trans-plant small trees and shrubs so the roots will have time to establish themselves.
	Prune. Fall is the perfect time to carefully shape and prune your trees and shrubs.
	Heavy snows or ice storms can damage shrubs and they may need to be protected in some way. You can either wrap them securely in burlap or build a pole-shelter to keep the snow and ice off the flowering shrub.

Annuals and perennials

	If you live in an area that doesn’t get too cold, early fall is a great time to plant perennials and container grown nursery stock as they will have time to settle before the first frost. Be sure to give them a lot of water after planting.
	If you love color then there are many varieties of annuals that can be put in flowerbeds and window boxes for spectacular autumn color. Black-eyed Susans and Snapdragons offer great fall color.
	Plant spring bulbs now. Depending on where you live, tulip, crocus and daffodil bulbs should go in by mid-October.
	Divide perennials, such as peonies and day lilies.
	Once they have finished flowering, cut back perennials to just a couple of inches above ground level. Depending on how cold it gets in your area, you may want to consider mulching with peat moss.

General chores

	Give your flowerbed soil a boost by adding bone meal.
	Rake those leaves. Many people groan about raking leaves but for others it’s a ritual that brings back fond memories. Either way, it must be done.

A few hours work now will reap huge rewards come spring. And once you’re out there you’ll find what many homeowners already know — fall is truly a wonderful time of year to spend in your backyard.