1. Weed, Clean and Fertilize
Start in your garden areas. They will most likely need the most work. Clean out all the weeds and leaves of the gardens. Turn the soil over now, so that in the spring the backbreaking chore will be done. The dirt is usually easier to work with in the fall. Make sure you put down a fresh layer of organic fertilizer like a steer or chicken manure.
2. Care for Your Lawn
This is the time of year when you can lower the blades on the mower and cut your lawn lower. With the cooler temperatures, your lawn will not grow as fast. This is the best time of year to feed your lawn.
3. Use a quick-release formula
so that all the good nutrients have a chance to feed your lawn before the snow comes. In the warmer states where the winters are shorter with no or little freezing days, you should use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer so that your lawn will stay greener longer.
4. Mulch some of the leaves
into your lawn. Raking helps to pull dead grass and roots that will not decompose in the winter. Raking will allow the grass to have a penetration of water more easily
5. Fall Transplanting
Shrubs and perennials should be transplanted in the fall. Trees that need to be moved because they have outgrown their area or other reasons, should be transplanted in the fall. This is the safest time of year to do all your transplanting.
6. Trim Shrubs
Shrubs, trees, and plants should be cut back and trimmed in the fall. All your azaleas, hydrangeas, and rhododendrons need to be trimmed so they do not overgrow in the area they are planted.