Fall Cleanup Checklist for Homeowners in the Chicagoland Area 🍂

As the colorful leaves begin to fall and the air turns crisp, it’s time to prepare your yard for the upcoming winter months. Fall cleanup is more than just raking leaves — it’s about protecting your landscape from damage, maintaining curb appeal, and setting your lawn up for a lush, healthy comeback in spring.

At Herrera Landscaping & Design Inc., we help homeowners throughout the Chicagoland area and Northwest Suburbs get their properties ready for the season with reliable cleanup, maintenance, and landscape care services. Here’s your complete Fall Cleanup Checklist to make sure your yard stays healthy, safe, and beautiful all year long.

A professional landscaper uses a leaf blower to clear fallen leaves from a residential yard during a fall cleanup in Chicagoland, surrounded by trees with autumn colors.

✅ 1. Rake and Remove Leaves

Fallen leaves may look pretty, but they can quickly smother your grass, block sunlight, and trap moisture— leading to mold growth and dead patches by spring. Rake or blow leaves regularly, and don’t forget to clear them from garden beds, fences, and walkways. Our cleanup crews can efficiently collect and haul away all debris so your property looks clean and polished.

🍁 2. Trim Trees and Shrubs

Pruning is essential before the snow hits. Trim back overgrown shrubs and remove weak or damaged branches from trees to prevent breakage during heavy snow or ice. Proper pruning not only improves the appearance of your landscape but also promotes healthier, fuller growth in the spring.

🌱 3. Mow One Last Time

Give your lawn one final cut before the first frost. Set your mower to a slightly lower height — about 2 to 2.5 inches — to prevent disease and matting. Leaving grass too tall can create a perfect environment for pests, while cutting it too short may damage the roots.

A freshly maintained garden bed with trimmed plants and added mulch during fall cleanup service in Chicagoland, prepared for winter by Herrera Landscaping & Design Inc.

🪻 4. Clean Out Garden Beds

Remove annual plants that are done for the season, cut back perennials, and pull any lingering weeds. Adding a fresh layer of mulch helps insulate roots and keeps your soil healthy through winter. This step also makes your spring planting much easier.

💧 5. Fertilize & Aerate

Late fall is the best time to fertilize your lawn so it can store nutrients over winter. Pairing fertilization with aeration allows oxygen, water, and nutrients to reach the roots — resulting in greener, thicker grass once temperatures warm up again. Let Herrera Landscaping & Design Inc handle all your fertilization and lawn aeration needs!

🚿 6. Drain & Store Garden Hoses

Disconnect and drain hoses to prevent freezing and cracking. Shut off outdoor water valves to avoid bursts pipes, and store hoses in your garage or shed.

Close-up of roof gutter filled with dry leaves being cleaned during fall maintenance service in Chicagoland to prevent clogs and water damage.

🧹 7. Check Gutters and Downspouts

Clogged gutters can lead to water damage and ice dams in winter. Clear out leaves and debris so water flows away from your home’s foundation.

🪵 8. Prepare Hardscapes and Outdoors Features

Sweep patios, clean pavers, and power wash walkways or driveways. If you have a fire pit, outdoor furniture, or landscape lighting, make sure everything is clean, covered, or stored properly. This prevents damage and extends the life of your materials.

🏠 9. Schedule Professional Cheanup and Lawn Care

If you’d rather avoid the hassle (and the heavy lifting), Herrera Landscaping & Design Inc. offers full-service fall cleanup packages that include leaf removal, lawn cutting, garden prep, and landscape trimming. We’ll handle everything — so you can enjoy a worry-free transition into winter.

Taking Care of your lawn and landscape in the fall is one of the best ways to protect your property and ensure a vibrant, healthy yard come springtime.

🍀 Ready to get your home prepared for winter?

Contact Herrera Landscaping & Design Inc. today for professional fall cleanup service in the Chicagoland and Northwest Suburbs area.

(224) 425-3446