The Final Blow: Fall Leaf Cleanup & Lawn Prep Before Winter
Why Autumn Is the Most Important Season for Lawn Care
As the air turns crisp and the leaves start to fall, many homeowners in southern Wisconsin think lawn care is winding down. In reality, September is one of the most important months for your yard. A little work now sets the stage for a healthy, green lawn that bounces back strong in spring. At Malterer’s Landscaping & Lawn Care, we’ve helped Janesville homeowners prepare for winter for decades—and we know the secret to success is all in the fall prep.
Why Fall Cleanup Matters
- Leaves Block Sunlight: A thick blanket of leaves starves grass of the light it needs to store energy before winter.
- Moisture Builds Up: Wet leaves create the perfect environment for mold, fungus, and pests.
- Choking Hazard: Without cleanup, decomposing leaves smother your lawn and leave bare patches.
A proper cleanup gives your lawn the breathing room it needs to go dormant safely and return greener in the spring.
Rake, Mulch, or Leave?
Not all leaves need to be hauled away. Depending on the volume, you have a few options:
- Mulch Them In: A thin layer of shredded leaves adds organic matter to your soil—nature’s free fertilizer.
- Rake & Remove: Heavy leaf cover must be raked and removed to prevent suffocation.
- Compost: Fallen leaves are excellent for compost piles, providing carbon-rich “brown” material.
Our team often combines methods—mulching some leaves while removing excess from high-traffic areas.
Lawn Prep Beyond Leaves
Leaf cleanup is just one part of fall lawn care. September is also the perfect time to:
- Aerate the Soil: Relieves compaction and allows nutrients to reach roots.
- Overseed Bare Spots: Cooler temps are ideal for new grass seed to establish.
- Fertilize for the Future: A fall feeding strengthens root systems for winter survival.
- Check Gutters & Drainage: Prevent water from pooling and causing erosion near foundations.
Professional Help Makes It Easy
Between kids’ activities, busy schedules, and unpredictable Wisconsin weather, tackling fall cleanup can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in. Malterer’s Landscaping & Lawn Care offers comprehensive fall services—from leaf removal to aeration and seeding—so your lawn is primed for spring without you lifting a rake.
Get Your Lawn Winter-Ready
Don’t let fall pass you by. A little effort now saves you headaches (and bare patches) next year.