10 crucial elements for autumn lawn maintenance to prevent leaf accumulation

Preparing your lawn for the colder months is essential during fall, which is a critical season for lawn care. However, removing leaves from your yard during this season can be a daunting task.

Effective leaf management is crucial for maintaining a neat and tidy landscape, and it requires more than just occasional raking. Several products can simplify and speed up the leaf cleanup process, including time-saving tools like leaf blowers and mulching mowers, lawn aerators, and winter fertilizers. Here are ten such items that will make your fall lawn care a breeze.

KeFanta 6 ft. Garden Rake, $25.97 at Amazon

A sturdy rake is essential for clearing fallen leaves and debris that can smother your grass if left to accumulate. Select a fan-shaped rake for broader coverage, and opt for an ergonomic design to prevent back strain during prolonged use. The KeFanta rake on Amazon is an excellent option, featuring sturdy stainless steel metal tines and an adjustable handle, allowing you to rake up leaves efficiently without ever bending over. Alternatively, you can choose the poly rake from Home Depot for a similar price.

Ninouko Cordless Leaf Blower, $49.99 at Amazon

If you have a large yard or want to speed up leaf removal, a leaf blower can be a game-changer. Battery-powered, cordless leaf blowers like this Ninouko model from Amazon help you blow leaves into manageable piles, making cleanup faster and easier. It has two-speed modes and a 20-volt battery. For something with a little more power, consider this Leapul model from Amazon, which features a lightweight design and fast charging.

RB Cordless Mulching Mower, $105 at Amazon

Instead of discarding leaves, consider using a mulching mower like this one by RB at Amazon for a budget-friendly price of $105. This tool finely chops leaves into small pieces, which can be left on the lawn to decompose. Mulched leaves add valuable nutrients to the soil, improving its health over time. The small cordless lawnmower with a 9-inch long mulching blade can help you shred the grass finely and adjust to three heights. If you’re looking for something powered with gas instead, try this powerful Toro mower from Lowe’s.

Agri-Fab 40 in. Spike Lawn Aerator, $207 at Lowe’s

Using a spiked lawn aerator from Agri-Fab at Lowe's can help loosen and break up compacted soil, allowing water, oxygen, and nutrients to reach the roots. This process is essential if your lawn receives a lot of foot traffic or has heavy clay soil. The aerator can be attached to any lawn tractor, regardless of brand. If you're looking to save a few bucks, you can purchase the same aerator at Walmart for a slightly lower price.

Jonathan Green Winter Survival Fertilizer, $67.83 at Walmart

Applying fertilizer in the fall can help grass build strong roots before winter. Look for a fertilizer specifically formulated for fall lawn care, such as Jonathan Green Winter Survival at Walmart or Scott’s WinterGuard at Amazon, to keep your grass lush when the snow melts in the spring. These blends have a higher potassium ratio, strengthening plants for the colder months and ensuring a green, healthy lawn in the spring.

Scotts Turf Builder Rapid Grass Seed, $36.97 at Home Depot

Spreading Turf Builder rapid-grow grass seed from Home Depot during the fall will fill in thinning spots and promote a thicker, more resilient lawn. This grass seed is ideal for cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and fescue, which thrive in the cooler weather of fall. Additionally, it contains fertilizer for added growth. Pennington's Smart Seed, also available at Home Depot, is a great option at $21.

HoldAll Soil Test Kit, $14.98 at Lowe’s

Testing your soil in the fall can help you determine its pH levels and nutrient content. A simple soil test kit from HoldAll is available at Lowe's and can provide insights into whether your soil needs amendments, such as lime, to neutralize acidity or additional organic matter to improve its structure. If you don't need a pack of 40, you can get 10 for $9.99 from Lusterleaf at Walmart.

EGO Power Lawn Edger, $179 at Lowe’s

This EGO Power handheld lawn edger from Lowe's is perfect for giving your lawn a polished look and tidying up borders around flower beds, sidewalks, and driveways. Edging also prevents grass from growing into unwanted areas, making future maintenance easier. If you're looking for something that doesn't require batteries, the Corona edging tool is also available at Lowe's and costs under $30.

Amazon Basics 39-gallon Leaf Bags, $18.79 at Amazon

For those who prefer to collect leaves instead of mulching them, having durable, large-capacity leaf bags on hand is crucial. Amazon Essentials offers durable plastic bags that are tear-resistant and can hold up to 39 gallons. You can purchase 40 of them in a box for under $20. If you're looking for a more eco-friendly option, Lowe's offers biodegradable paper bags that can hold 30 gallons.

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Ortho Groundclear, $23.97 at Home Depot

Crabgrass, dandelions, and clover are stubborn weeds that are best tackled during fall. Pre-emergent herbicides can prevent weeds from sprouting in spring, while post-emergent herbicides can eliminate existing weeds before they go dormant. Ortho's Groundclear at Home Depot works immediately on all types of weeds and takes just 15 minutes without harming your lawn. If you're concerned about the health and safety of your pets while using weed killer, try this natural weed spray from Just for Pets on Amazon.