Fall yard checklist for Maryland homes.
Seed first. Then gutters, planting, leaves and one last mow before winter.
Fall yard work in Maryland
Mid-August to late November.
Seed goes down by mid-October at the latest. For sod, mid-October is the date to aim for.
About 2 weeks
for grass seed to sprout. November frosts can damage young seedlings.
½ inch
shorter on the final mow makes snow mold less likely.
What yard work should I do in the fall in Maryland?
Aerate and seed by mid-October, clean the gutters, plant shrubs, clear thick leaf cover and mow until the grass stops growing. Grass seed takes about 2 weeks to sprout. Leaf cleanup falls in late October to mid-November. The last mow may come in late November.
What to do, and when.
SeptemberAerate and overseed
Aerating first helps the seed sprout.
Early fallClean the gutters
In early fall, and again whenever they clog.
FallPlant shrubs
Earlier planting gives roots more time before winter.
Late NovemberMow one last time
Keep mowing while the grass grows. The last cut may come in late November.
Late fallMulch the perennials
Wait for several killing frosts first.
Mulch around trees and shrubs
2 to 3 inches
Keep it off the bark.
Sources: University of Maryland Extension and Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control
Fall work we do.
Lawn and landscape care
Spring and fall cleanups, mowing and beds.
Gutters
Cleaning, and guards if you want them.
SeasonalChristmas lights
From $650
Design, install, takedown and storage.
Questions
When do fall cleanups start in Maryland?
Late October, if the job is leaves. In Maryland, leaf removal falls in late October to mid-November, and only where leaves thickly cover the lawn. Seeding comes sooner, with mid-October as the last date for seed.
What can I plant in September in Maryland?
Grass seed and shrubs. September sits inside the mid-August to mid-October window for seeding a tall fescue lawn. Fall is also a good time to plant trees and shrubs. The earlier in fall they go in, the longer they have to take root before winter.
Should I rake leaves or leave them on the lawn?
Rake only where they lie thick. Whole leaves moved onto planting beds give useful insects winter shelter. On the lawn, leaves shredded by a mulching mower break down faster and add nutrients to the soil.
Does Anne Arundel County pick up bagged leaves?
Yes, for most households. The county collects yard waste at the curb all year. Leaves go in paper yard waste bags or a rigid container marked with an X on all sides. Each can weigh 40 pounds at most. Plastic bags are not accepted.
How much does a fall cleanup cost?
We quote every cleanup, and the estimate is free. Send the address and what the yard needs. We reply by text or call, and we walk the property first when the job calls for it.
Get a free estimate.
We do spring and fall cleanups, aeration and overseeding, gutter cleaning and Christmas lights. Estimates are free.
