7 Things to Remove from Your Backyard Before Fall

Dead or Diseased Plants

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If you planted summer annuals, some of them may already be starting to fade by late August. Instead of letting dead or diseased plants linger in the garden, pull them out and clear the space for fall. “Bag and dispose of them according to your local yard-waste guidelines,” Ferreira recommends.

Cracked Planters

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It can be tempting to ignore a cracked planter and deal with it next spring, but winter weather can make the damage worse. “Once a pot is badly cracked, winter freezing and thawing will usually make the damage worse,” Ferreira explains. If the container can’t be repaired, recycle or dispose of it according to your local guidelines.

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Broken Toys

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Fractured pool noodles, deflated balls, and broken bikes don’t just make the backyard look messy—they can also become tripping hazards. Before fall, sort through the summer toy collection and make piles for trash, donations, and anything worth keeping. Clearing out the worn-out pieces now will also make it much easier to find the good stuff next summer.

Damaged Garden Tools

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Before you pack away your gardening tools for the season, take a quick inventory. Set aside anything that’s broken beyond repair or that you simply don’t use anymore, then clean and store the tools you want to keep for next spring. Ferreira suggests tossing or recycling leaky hoses, cracked watering wands, broken buckets, and other damaged items that are just taking up space.

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Old Mulch Piles

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Leftover mulch can quickly turn into a soggy, weedy mess if it sits untouched through the changing seasons. If what’s left is still in good shape, put it to use in garden beds before fall. Anything moldy, decomposed, or too far gone can be cleared away.

Half-Used Fertilizer

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Don’t leave half-used bags of fertilizer sitting outside through the fall and winter. Move them somewhere dry and protected so they’re still usable next season. “I like to use large plastic storage totes to organize and store fertilizers over the winter,” Ferreira says. If you know you won’t use the rest, donate it if possible or follow local guidelines for safe disposal.

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Rotting Wood

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Firewood is handy for fall bonfires, but logs that have spent the summer sitting in rain and damp conditions can start to rot or attract pests. Wood left directly on the ground can also trap moisture and damage the grass underneath. Toss or haul away pieces that are too far gone, then keep any usable firewood dry and elevated off the ground.

Lilly Blomquist is the associate editor at The Pioneer Woman, where she writes lifestyle stories across a wide range of topics—including news, entertainment, holidays, food, and more.

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