10 fall lawn care essentials to keep your yard leaf-free

As the cool fall air arrives and the leaves change, it’s a great time to prepare your lawn for the colder months ahead. Fall is an important lawn care season, laying the foundation for a green, healthy yard come spring. But keeping your yard free of leaves during fall can feel like a never-ending battle.

Whether you’re aiming for a neat, organized landscape or just trying to prevent the accumulation of lawn-damaging debris, staying on top of leaf management is important—and it goes beyond just the occasional cleanup. Many products make leaf cleaning manageable and efficient, from time-saving tools like leaf blowers and lawn mowers to lawn aerators and winter fertilizers for a greener-looking yard come spring. Here are ten such things that will make your lawn care a breeze.

A large adjustable fan garden rake from KeFanta on Amazon can leave your yard leaf-free in one sweep. (Amazon)

A strong rake is essential for removing fallen leaves and other debris that can choke your lawn if left to accumulate. Choose a fan-shaped rake for more coverage, and consider an ergonomic design to prevent back strain during extended use. This one from KeFanta at Amazon checks all the boxes, including its stainless steel blades and adjustable handle, which allow you to carve leaves neatly without bending. If you would prefer a poly rake over stainless steel, you would this hall from Home Depot for the same amount.

The battery-powered cordless leaf blower from Ninouko on Amazon is a game changer for the big yard. (Amazon)

A leaf blower can be a game changer if you have a large yard or just want to speed up the leaf removal process. Battery powered, cordless leaf blowers are the same this is Ninouko’s at Amazon helps you beat the leaves into a manageable pile, making cleanup quick and easy. It has two-speed modes and a 20-volt battery. Are you looking for something with more power? Try it this Leapul model from Amazon, with a lightweight design and fast charging.

PREPARE YOUR CAR FOR WINTER WITH THESE 10 MUST-HAVE CAR TIPS

The cordless mulching mower from RB on Amazon helps add valuable nutrients to your soil. (Amazon)

Instead of raking and throwing leaves, consider using a mulching machine this is RB on Amazon for the budget-friendly price of $105. This tool neatly cuts leaves into small pieces, which can be left on the lawn to rot. Mulched leaves add valuable nutrients to the soil, improving its health over time. A small cordless lawn mower with a 9-inch long blade for covering grass can help you cut the grass well and trim the three lengths. If you’re looking for something powered by gas instead, give it a try this powerful Toro mower from Lowe’s.

You can attach this spiked lawn mower from Agri-Fab at Lowe’s to your lawn tractor for easy access. (Lowe)

Airing your lawn with a spiked aerator from Agri-Fab at Lowe’s helps loosen and break up compacted soil, allowing water, oxygen, and nutrients to reach the roots. This process is important if your lawn receives a lot of foot traffic or has heavy clay soil. Fits any lawn tractor, regardless of brand. Want to save a few bucks? hold the same aerator at Walmart little by little.

COLLECT YOUR FAVORITE CRAFTS WITH THIS OUTDOOR BOX

A bag of Jonathan Green Winter Survival fertilizer at Walmart can be valuable to help your lawn develop strong roots before winter. (Walmart)

Applying fertilizer in the fall helps the grass establish strong roots before winter. Look for a fertilizer that is specifically designed to care for the same lawn This is Jonathan Green Winter Survival at Walmart to keep your lawn green when the snow melts in the spring. These mixes are high in potassium, fortifying plants in the cold months and ensuring a green, healthy lawn in the spring. Scott’s WinterGuard Amazon is also a good option.

The Turf Builder grass seed bag at Home Depot fills in the bare spots in your lawn before the snow falls. (Home Depot)

Overheading your lawn in the fall fills in bare or thin areas and promotes a larger, stronger lawn. Cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass and fescue, grow best in cool weather, so they spread evenly. of Turf Builder’s fast growing grass seed from Home Depot will give you great results. It also contains fertilizer for extra oomph. Pennington’s Smart Seed (also at Home Depot) a great buy for $21.

The HoldAll soil test kit available from Lowe’s helps accurately measure the pH levels of your lawn. (Lowe)

Testing your soil in the fall helps you understand its pH levels and nutrient content. A simple soil test kit from HoldAll is available at Lowe’s and can give you information on whether your soil needs amendments, such as lime, to reduce acidity or more organic matter to improve its structure. If you don’t need the 40 pack, you can get 10 for $9.99 from Lusterleaf at Walmart.

The battery-powered handheld lawn mower from EGO Power gives your lawn a well-done look. (Lowe)

A well-trimmed edge gives your lawn a polished look, and this one EGO Power handheld lawn edger from Lowe’s is perfect for gathering borders around flower beds, sidewalks, and driveways. Edging also prevents grass from growing into unwanted areas, making future maintenance easier. Looking for something that doesn’t require batteries? This Corona The planner is available at Lowe’s and costs less than $30.

Amazon’s 39-gallon plastic bags are a solid choice for your fall cleaning. (Amazon)

For those who choose to collect leaves instead of bagging them, it is important to have sturdy, large leaf bags with a large capacity on hand. These Amazon Essentials grass bags and Amazon leaf litter bags are made of durable plastic, so they are tear-resistant and hold up to 39 liters. You get 40 of them in a box for less than $20. Looking for a more naturally biodegradable paper option? Try these 30-gallon paper bags from Lowe’s on Amazon.

For more deals, visit www.foxnews.com/category/deals

Ortho Groundclear weed killer tackles stubborn weeds like dandelions and clovers in just 15 minutes. (Home Depot)

Fall is the best time to tackle stubborn weeds like crabgrass, dandelions and clover. Applying a pre-emergent herbicide can help prevent weeds from establishing in the spring, while a post-emergent herbicide can kill existing weeds before they become dormant. Ortho’s Groundclear at Home Depot starts working quickly on all types of weeds and takes just 15 minutes without damaging your lawn. If you’re concerned about the health and safety of your furry friends while using weed killer, try this natural weed spray from Just for Pets on Amazon.