The Central NY fall cleanup checklist

A good fall cleanup is the difference between a property that explodes into spring and one that limps into it. In Central New York, timing matters: do it too early and you invite a late-season flush of weeds; too late and the snow locks in matted leaves that smother the turf.

Start with a hard leaf clearing once the canopy is 80% down. Mulch-mow what you can — shredded leaf litter feeds the soil — and haul off the rest before the first heavy, wet snow.

Cut back perennials that turn to mush, but leave ornamental grasses and seed heads standing for winter interest and the birds. Finish with a fresh edge on every bed and a top-up of mulch to insulate roots through the freeze-thaw cycle.