Seasonal Tips

Autumn clean-up: 7 tips to prepare your garden for autumn

Autumn is just around the corner and that means it's time to get your garden ready for the autumn season. Whether you are an experienced garden enthusiast or just starting out, these 7 practical tips will help you get your garden in top condition. From pruning and collecting leaves to lawn care and planting flower bulbs. We've listed all the essential gardening tasks for you. Including the recommended tools to efficiently complete these chores.

1. Trim hedges, shrubs, and bushes

Autumn is the perfect time to prune your hedges, shrubs, and bushes. Not only does this give your garden a tidy appearance, but it also promotes healthy growth in the spring. Depending on the plant species, you can trim up to three-quarters of the branches. An essential tool for precise hedge trimming is a cordless hedge trimmer. Do you have hard-to-reach areas to trim? Consider using a hedge trimmer with an extension piece. Be sure to use sharp cutting tools, work on a solid surface and do not forget to wear gloves for extra protection.

Until when can pruning be done?

But until what point in autumn is it advisable to prune bushes, hedges and shrubs? As a general rule, it is safe to prune until mid-October, but it is wise to consult the specific needs of your plants. For some plants, pruning in late autumn or even winter is actually more favourable.

2. Collect and tidy up Leaves

One of the most common autumn tasks is dealing with fallen leaves. Your garden can quickly transform into a colorful carpet of leaves. While it's essential to keep your garden looking neat, you can also use the leaves in a way that benefits both nature and your garden. Leaves can provide shelter and food for animals like hedgehogs or serve as organic soil food. Instead of clearing all the leaves, consider spreading some around your plants or composting them. You can also create small leaf piles in quieter parts of your garden, providing shelter for animals during colder months. This way, you maintain a tidy garden while utilizing fallen leaves to benefit both nature and your garden.

Prevent accidents in the garden

Remove leaves from pathways and other hard surfaces to prevent accidents in the garden. Wet leaves can be deceptively slippery, posing a risk of slipping and falling. Additionally, leaves left for extended periods can stain your paving and block garden drainage. Therefore, timely removal of fallen leaves is crucial to prevent garden accidents, stubborn brown spots and leaks.

The ideal tool for clearing leaves is a cordless leaf blower. It allows you to clear leaves quickly and easily and saves you a lot of time.

3. Give your lawn a little longer attention

The weekly mowing routine of summer is no longer necessary, but your lawn still deserves attention in autumn.

When should you mow your grass for the last time?

Generally, you can continue mowing until the grass stops growing. Usually towards the end of October or early November. This depends on your region's climate. Be sure not to cut the grass shorter than 5 centimeters.

Keep your lawn in top condition

Want to make sure your lawn stays in top condition both in autumn and next spring? In that case, give your lawn some extra attention. Consider lawn care tasks such as scarifying, aerating and fertilising to keep your lawn in optimal condition. You may want to hire a good aerator for a professional approach to your lawn maintenance.

Create a tidy look

For a neatly finished lawn, use a cordless string trimmer for precision work along the edges. This will maintain a well-manicured appearance as your lawn goes into winter.

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4. Maintain trees

Earlier, we discussed pruning hedges, shrubs, and bushes. But if you have trees in your garden, proper tree maintenance is equally important. Trim excess branches to prevent damage from autumn storms. You can remove thick branches using a cordless chainsaw. And for hard-to-reach branches, a pole saw is the perfect solution. Start by removing the larger branches and then work on the rest. Ensure that you prune the branches in a way that prevents water from pooling in the wounds to prevent tree rot.

Prepare firewood

While you're already handling branches, it's a good idea to prepare firewood for your fireplace. This way, you can enjoy warmth and ambiance during cold autumn evenings. Using a cordless chainsaw will make this task quick and efficient. Make sure to use well-dried wood for efficient burning and to avoid smoke issues.

5. Planting and transplanting

Autumn is the ideal time for planting, transplanting or propagating plants. The soil is still relatively warm from the summer, allowing plants to acclimate to their new location and develop new roots. Moreover, the ground no longer dries out due to regular rainfall, and temperatures remain mild.

Prepare for Spring

Autumn is also an excellent time to plan ahead for spring. Plant flower bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, and crocuses to enjoy beautiful blooms in the coming spring. Plant the bulbs at a depth of two to three times their own diameter, with the pointed end facing upward. Cover them with soil, gently press it down, and patiently await the arrival of spring. Additionally, consider planting perennial flowers, shrubs or trees to enhance your garden in the upcoming year.

6. Take care of the soil

Don't forget about your soil's health in autumn. A healthy soil structure offers significant benefits for plant growth in the spring. You can improve soil quality by adding compost. Various tools are available to assist with proper soil care, including compost bins and fertilizers.

Here are some specific soil care tips:

Add autumn leaves to your compost pile to create rich compost for the coming spring.
Consider using organic mulch to regulate soil temperature and retain moisture.
Test the soil's pH value and make any necessary adjustments to promote optimal plant growth in the upcoming season.

7. Transport and cleanup

Transporting garden waste, tools, or firewood can be a challenging task. Fortunately, a handy tool in the form of a self-propelled utility cart is available. This tool allows you to effortlessly move various materials, saving time and enabling you to focus entirely on your garden work.

The self-propelled utility cart is perfect for various autumn tasks, such as:

Spreading mulch or compost across different parts of the garden.
Transporting plants or flower bulbs for replanting.
Carrying wood.
Transporting gardening tools like shovels and rakes.

This tool provides easy access to everything you need while gardening.

With these 7 helpful tips, you'll be well-prepared for autumn and can confidently get your garden ready for the season. These efforts will not only provide you with a beautiful autumn garden but also establish a solid foundation for a stunning spring!