10 Fall Projects for Your Lawn and Garden

Instead of raking your leaves into bags this fall, mow them with a mulching mower (a mower with a specially designed high deck). This chops the leaves into confetti, which acts as a natural fertilizer and weed control agent when left to decompose. Mulch can also help your garden in a variety of ways.

It may seem like an odd time to start thinking about next year's flowers in the fall, but most garden bulbs that bloom in the spring should be planted now. If you're new to gardening, here are tips for easier gardening.

Don't forget to check the gutters. During a downpour, a clogged roof gutter can send water down the side of your house and can not only wash out your landscaping, but saturate your home's foundation. Do your gutters need a little work? Here are some easy gutter fixes.

Feeding your lawn in the early fall and then again six to eight weeks later helps your lawn rebuild grass roots that may have been damaged during a hot and dry summer. Learn how to fertilize your lawn.

If you've noticed patches of dead grass in your yard, address the issue now. Seeding can fix small problem areas. However, if your lawn has significant dead spots, sodding may be a better option. Learn tips for reseeding your lawn.

Fall is a great time to aerate your yard, which allows water, oxygen and fertilizer to more easily reach grass roots. This will help your lawn grow back thicker and fuller next year. See how aerating can help revive your thinning lawn.

By planting more hardy plants (such as shrubs and bushes) in fall, it helps the plant's roots to get established before winter. Not sure what kind of shrubs to plant? Here are 11 Sparkling Shrubs for Today's Yard.

If you have a favorite perennial you feel needs a little protection from the harsh winter, try wrapping the plant in burlap. Wrap the material around the plant a couple times, being careful to avoid breakage. Once the plant is covered, a loop or two of twine will hold everything in place.

Locate all outside hoses and drain them for storage. Be sure to remove splitters or any other items from each outdoor faucet. If your hoses need to be replaced, this hose guide can help you find the best one for your needs.

Now is the time to tackle weeds. Apply a herbicide and the weeds should stay away once spring comes. Be sure to read the label before applying, as most herbicide manufactures recommend applying weed killer during the fall when daytime temperatures are still consistently above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Follow these tips for a weed-free yard.