Fall in St. Louis is one of the best times of year: the air is crisp, the leaves are beautiful, and weekends are still perfect for backyard barbecues and cozy firepits. But before winter rolls in, your yard needs a little TLC to stay healthy and ready for spring.

We’ve put together a simple fall clean-up checklist for St. Louis homeowners. Tackle these steps now, and your lawn and garden will thank you when the weather warms back up!

1. Rake and Remove Leaves

As much as we love the fall colors, those leaves can smother your grass if left all season. Grab a sturdy rake or a leaf blower to make cleanup easier.

Recommended Products at Handyman Hardware:
• Seymour Rake
• Ampac Leaf Bag

2. Mulch Your Garden Beds

A layer of mulch helps protect your perennials and shrubs from St. Louis’ winter freezes. It also keeps moisture in the soil during dry spells.

Handyman Hardware Tip: Use Scotts® Nature Scapes mulch for a polished look and reliable protection.

3. Fertilize Your Lawn

Yard care in the fall isn’t just about cleanup—it’s about feeding your lawn. Applying a fall fertilizer now helps grass store nutrients over winter so it grows back greener and stronger in spring.

Recommended Products at Handyman Hardware:
• Scotts® Turf Builder® WinterGuard® Fall Lawn Food

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4. Trim and Prune Trees & Shrubs

Cutting back dead branches before snow and ice arrive reduces the risk of damage. This is especially important for older trees in St. Louis neighborhoods.

Recommended Products at Handyman Hardware:
• Fiskars Pruner
• Chainsaw rentals and accessories available in-store!

Check Out Our Rental Equipment

5. Clean and Store Your Tools

Before the cold sets in, clean your garden tools, drain your hoses, and cover your grill or patio furniture. Taking a little time now saves you from headaches in the spring.

Recommended Products at Handyman Hardware:
• Hose Reels
• Storage Bins
• Weatherproof Covers for grills
• Lawn Furniture Covers

6. (Optional) Winter Prep for Irrigation & Outdoor Systems

Drain irrigation lines and any outdoor faucets that can be winterized to prevent freeze damage. If you use a sprinkler system, follow the manufacturer's winterization steps or contact a local service.

7. Prep for Fall Fun

Yard prep isn’t just about chores! Stock up on firewood, get a fire pit ready, and keep your patio lights shining. You’ll enjoy every bit of the fall season outdoors.

Recommended Products at Handyman Hardware:
• Hotsticks
• Gas Firepit

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Your Yard, Ready for Every Season

With this fall clean-up checklist, you’ll set your yard up for success all year long. Handyman Hardware in St. Louis has everything you need, from rakes and mulch to fertilizer and firewood bundles. Stop by today, and let’s make your fall yard care simple.