Don’t you just love fall? The beautiful colors? The cool crisp air? Bonfires? Tons and tons and tons of leaves covering every inch of your yard? Okay, so maybe not that last part. But still, fall is a great season. It’s also a season not to neglect your yard. 
So, what do the professionals say about fall yard clean up and maintenance? 

• Rake leaves! Yes, sorry folks, but raking leaves is a must for fall season. It helps not to suffocate and damage the grass over the winter. And most municipalities will pick up your leaves curb side! (Sorry, Village of Bellevue folks)
• Cut perennials/grasses and pick up sticks. Most plants do well with fall pruning and cut backs. Grasses, however, I know a lot of people who leave them up for winter interest/decorations. 
• Mow your lawn. (You can even “rake” your leaves this way too!!) But why, you ask?  In fall season your lawn should be cut at 2 to 2 ½ inches tall. It prevents matting and being stuck like that throughout winter, which in turn keeps grass more healthy. 
• Fertilize! Just like you do in the spring time for some plants and grasses, fertilizing in the fall can be beneficial too!
• Put away the outside hoses: I know not everyone does this, but it couldn’t hurt to put these away and shut off your water to the outside.