The 5 Fall Yard Tasks You'll Thank Yourself For in Spring

There's a particular smell in the air when the first fall rains hit the Portland metro. A mix of wet earth, pine needles, and the faint reminder that summer's over. The good news? Fall is the season for savvy homeowners. The work you do now pays off later.

It's tempting to cozy up inside and ignore your yard until March, but a few well-timed fall tasks can save you from a soggy, moss-covered mess come spring. Let's dig into five things you can do now that your future self will genuinely appreciate.

1. Clear the Leaves Before They Smother Your Lawn

We get it. Raking isn't exactly anyone's idea of a good time. But leaving piles of wet leaves sitting all winter is like putting a tarp over your grass. It blocks air, traps moisture, and invites mold.

Do small cleanups every week or two instead of tackling the whole yard at once. If you can, use a mulching mower, as it breaks down leaves into fine bits that return nutrients to your soil.

Pro tip: Skip the plastic bags. Compost those leaves or use them as mulch around trees and shrubs. Nature's free fertilizer is too good to waste.

2. Aerate and Feed Your Lawn One Last Time

Your lawn is compacted and tired after months of summer foot traffic. Aerating in the fall (punching small holes into the soil) lets oxygen, water, and nutrients reach the roots again.

Once aerated, follow with a slow-release fall fertilizer, one higher in potassium to strengthen roots for the cold months ahead. You'll see greener, thicker growth come April.

If you've got patchy spots or bare soil, this is also the perfect time to overseed. Oregon's mild fall temperatures are ideal for seed germination, and the fall rains do half the watering for you.

3. Clean Gutters and Check Drainage Before the Deluge

In the Portland-metro, fall means rain, buckets of it. If your gutters are clogged or your yard slopes toward the house, you're practically inviting water damage.

Make sure your gutters, downspouts, and French drains are clear and directing water away from your foundation. For sloped yards, check that retaining walls and drain pipes are working.

If you notice pooling water now, don't wait until winter to fix it. Simple grading adjustments or installing a small catch basin can prevent major erosion or flooding later.

Bonus tip: If your home has an older landscape, this is the perfect time for a quick drainage inspection. Minor fixes now can save thousands later.

4. Prune, Protect, and Plant Smart

Fall pruning helps plants prepare for winter. Cut back dead or diseased branches, trim perennials to a few inches above ground, and shape shrubs before the frost.

Fall is the best time to plant trees. Cooler temperatures and wetter soil help new roots establish without summer heat stress.

And don't forget protection. Wrap young tree trunks with guards to prevent frost cracks and keep deer or critters from chewing bark.

Oregon favorites to plant in fall: Vine maples, red-twig dogwoods, hellebores, and evergreen ferns. They'll root through winter and burst with growth by spring.

5. Refresh Your Bark Dust and Mulch

A clean layer of mulch or bark dust isn't just for looks. It's the unsung hero of fall landscaping. It protects roots, locks in moisture, and keeps weeds from taking over while plants rest.

Aim for 2–3 inches of fresh bark dust or mulch, especially around trees, garden beds, and newly planted areas. It helps regulate soil temperature and gives your landscape that tidy, finished look all winter.

If your beds are sloped, consider using natural river rock or gravel swales to help slow runoff and prevent erosion. It's both functional and beautiful.

The Bottom Line: A Little Fall Effort Goes a Long Way

Think of fall yard care as your landscape's annual tune-up. You're setting the stage for a smoother, greener, cleaner spring. And when your neighbors are out in April battling mud, moss, and weeds, you'll be sipping coffee on your patio, admiring the work you did months ago.

At Summit Landscape, we help Portland-area homeowners design and maintain landscapes that last through every season. Whether it's drainage, sod, lighting, or a full backyard transformation, our team brings craftsmanship and care to every job.

Want to make next spring easier?

Let's get your yard in shape before the rain settles in.