Start with leaves and loose debris
Heavy leaves can mat down wet grass and hide sticks, low spots and other issues. Clearing the bulk of the debris makes the rest of the yard easier to inspect.
Clean up beds and edges
Remove dead annual growth, loose debris and obvious weeds. Redefining bed edges before winter can also make the property look maintained even after most plants have gone dormant.
Walk the property while everything is visible
Before snow arrives, look for loose railings, damaged steps, small fence issues, drainage problems and exterior punch-list items. Fall is a useful time to make a list for maintenance work.
Prioritize what needs to happen before freezing weather
Not every item needs immediate attention. Focus first on safety issues, water problems and anything likely to get worse through repeated freezing and thawing.
Make spring easier
A cleaner property going into winter usually means less debris and fewer surprises when the snow melts. It also gives you a written punch list to work from instead of rediscovering every problem next year.
Northern Ridgeline serves the Big Rapids area. Call (480) 226-8062 or send photos and the property location.