Fall Yard Cleanup: Get Your Landscape Ready for the Cooler Months in San Diego

Your hardscape (patios, walkways, stairs, retaining walls) are the backbone of your outdoor living space and in fall you’ll want to give them a little extra attention.

• Sweep & Rinse: Clear debris from your patio or paver surfaces so water can flow freely instead of pooling and causing damage.
• Inspect Retaining Walls & Steps: Look for cracks, shifting stones, or signs of erosion around retaining walls, especially in sloped areas. Proper maintenance now avoids costly repairs later.
• Clear Drainage & Protect Edge Zones: Make sure water runs off correctly around patios and hardscape elements. Clean out gutters, downspouts, and drains so the first big San Diego rain doesn’t surprise you.
• Seal or Touch Up: If your patio or steps are concrete or pavers with joint sand, consider resealing or topping up joints so they stay stable through cooler months.

By making sure the hardscape side of your yard is prepped, you’re setting the stage for easier lawn and plant care because when the foundation is solid, the rest falls into place.

Fall is the sweet spot to give your lawn and plants the care they need before winterish weather hits.

• Clean Leaves & Mulch Smart: Leaves are beautiful, but when they pile up on turf or beds, they block light, trap moisture, and can damage the lawn. Mow or mulch leaves into thin layers, or rake them into garden beds around trees and shrubs for added benefits.
• Lawn Mowing & Edge Work: While San Diego may not get harsh frosts, your lawn still slows down and needs slightly different care. Keep your mower tuned, mow slightly shorter toward the end of the season, edge cleanly. 
• Prune & Clear Out Plant Beds: Trim back perennials, remove dead annuals, and clear out garden beds. Plants that stay limp or have built-in pest risk are more vulnerable when weather changes. At the same time, leave a few seed heads or stems if you’re encouraging pollinators for next year.
• Mulch & Feed: Before the soil cools fully, add fresh mulch in beds to regulate moisture and temperature around roots. Give your lawn a light, appropriate feeding suited for late season so it stores energy for next year.

Taking care of these areas now means your yard sleeps well over winter (even the mild San Diego version) and wakes up ready to pop in spring.

Even though our rain pattern in San Diego is gentler than some places, prepping your watering systems and drainage is smart.

• Check Your Irrigation: Ensure drip lines, sprinkler heads, and timers are adjusted for cooler weather. Reduce run times, check for leaks or clogs, and winter-proof your system where needed.
• Drainage Around Hardscapes: With patios, retaining walls or garden beds near slopes, inspect how water flows after a storm. Fix any places where pooling or runoff causes erosion or sub-surface issues.
• Clean Gutters & Remove Debris: That first heavy rain is no time for blocked gutters or downspouts. Clear leaves, clean filters, and make sure water is directed away from your home and landscape features.

Getting these systems ready ensures that when cooler, wetter weather comes, you’re not dealing with unwanted surprises like soggy lawns, eroded walls or compromised patios.