Snowblowers vs. shoveling — which wins?

Honestly? Both. For light snow, a wide push shovel is faster. For heavy or repeated storms, a blower saves your back. In Calgary, I like having both because chinooks turn light powder into wet cement overnight.

Is it really worth paying for snow removal?

Depends how much you value time (and your back). In Calgary, storms can drop 20+ cm fast, and bylaws don’t care if you’re tired or away. If you’ve got mobility issues, travel lots, or just hate ice, paying for it saves a ton of stress.

Best snow removal services in Calgary?

One thing I’d ask any company: how fast do they show up after snow stops? Calgary bylaws give you 24 hours, but ice forms way quicker if the chinook hits. A good company knows it’s not just about clearing snow, it’s about preventing ice buildup.

What’s the biggest mistake homeowners make with snow removal?

Biggest mistake? Waiting too long after a snowfall. Once it’s packed down by cars or foot traffic, you’re basically chiseling ice. In Calgary, chinooks make it worse — melt, refreeze, then you’re fighting solid sheets of ice. Quick clears save hours.

Best lawn care services in Calgary – 2024 recommendations

People often ask about the top services. We focus on mowing, fertilization, aeration, leaf cleanup, and mulching, ensuring a healthy, resilient lawn all year.

What’s the biggest mistake homeowners make with their lawn?

Biggest mistake I see? People cutting the grass way too short. It stresses the roots and makes it way easier for weeds to move in. In Calgary it’s even worse, because our clay soil dries fast and the chinook winds don’t help. Keep your mower higher and you’ll save water, protect the roots, and the lawn will bounce back quicker after weather swings.

Do you do Lawn Care and Snow Removal in the Bowness area?

Yes, we service all areas on the westside of the City, including Bowness, Signal Hill, Valley Ridge, Aspen Woods, Discovery Ridge, Cougar Ridge, Paskapoo, West Springs, Christie Park, Crestmont, Greenwood, Wentworth, Springbank Hill, Strathcona Park, Sienna Hills, Artists View Park West, and Patterson Heights.

Fall Clean-Ups for a Healthier Landscape

Adam Qureshi
Jul 28
4 min read

As autumn ushers in a beautiful array of colors, it's also time to prepare your landscape for the coming winter months. An effective fall clean-up not only enhances the appearance of your yard but also lays the groundwork for a healthier ecosystem. This guide will walk you through all the essential steps for autumn yard maintenance, ensuring your landscape remains vibrant and robust for seasons to come.

Effective Autumn Yard Maintenance

A well-executed autumn yard maintenance plan is crucial for maintaining your landscape. The changing seasons affect plants, soil, and wildlife. By preparing your yard in the fall, you can protect it from harsh winter conditions and promote healthy growth in the spring. Key activities include clean-up, pruning, mulching, and protecting plants.

One of the most impactful tasks in autumn legal maintenance is removing debris. Leaves, branches, and other yard waste can choke out grass and plants. A well-kept yard sends a clear message of care and attention, enhancing not just your landscape but also your home’s curb appeal.

Wide angle view of colorful autumn leaves blanketing the lawn — Beautiful autumn leaves as part of seasonal yard maintenance.

Preparing the Garden and Lawn

When the days begin to shorten and the air turns crisp, it signals time for your garden and lawn preparation. Start by clearing away old annuals, removing dead plant material that can harbor pests and diseases. However, don’t remove all the perennials; many provide nourishment and shelter for beneficial wildlife.

Next, consider aerating your lawn. Aeration helps alleviate soil compaction and allows nutrients, air, and water to penetrate down to the roots. This vital step encourages stronger and healthier grass growth in the spring.

Eye-level view of freshly aerated lawn ready for winter — Aerating the lawn enhances nutrient absorption for spring.

What Does Fall Cleaning Consist Of?

Fall cleaning involves various steps to ensure your yard is prepped for winter. Here are the specific tasks you should include in your cleaning checklist:

Leaf Removal: Leaves can suffocate your grass and promote disease if left on the lawn. Rake or use a leaf blower to gather them, and consider composting them for future use.
Weed Control: Weeds can still thrive in fall. Take the time to remove them, focusing on perennial weeds and their roots to prevent them from reemerging in spring.
Mulching: Adding mulch around your plants insulates their roots and provides a protective layer against fluctuating temperatures. Organic mulches, like shredded leaves or wood chips, are great choices.
Pruning: Trim dead or overgrown branches from trees and shrubs. This practice not only improves aesthetics but also prevents the risk of branch breakage in winter storms.
Soil Testing: Fall is an excellent time to assess your soil’s health. Consider testing the pH and nutrient levels, enabling you to amend your soil appropriately before the next growing season.

Close-up view of freshly laid mulch around plants — Mulching provides insulation and protects plant roots during winter.

Protecting Your Plants

As we step into the colder months, providing protection for your plants becomes vital. Here are some methods you can employ:

Covering Vulnerable Plants: Use burlap or protective wraps around delicate shrubs and plants to shield them from harsh winds and frost.
Planting Fall Bulbs: If you want a riot of spring colors, autumn is the perfect time to plant spring-blooming bulbs like tulips and daffodils. Plant them deep enough to avoid frost exposure.
Watering Before Frost: Keep a close watch for incoming frost. Providing your plants with a deep watering before frost helps to sustain them through freezing temperatures.
Winterizing Lawns: As your lawn enters dormancy, performing a final mowing can help send nutrients back into the soil, ensuring it is healthier during the spring bloom.

Remember that any clean-ups in the fall ultimately lead to thriving landscapes in the spring. By investing a little time now, you set up your entire garden for long-term success.

Final Touches and Planning Ahead

Completing your fall clean-ups is not merely about attending to your landscape but also planning for future needs. Take a moment to evaluate your yard's overall design and functionality. Consider what worked well over the past year and what could be improved.

Perhaps you want to introduce new plants that attract pollinators, or you might need to replace turf areas that have thinned out. These insights can inform your purchases come spring.

Also, think about the tools and supplies you will need for next year. Keeping your gardening tools clean and well-maintained ensures they're ready for use right when you need them.

Taking the time for these fall clean-ups can provide immense value, ensuring that your garden remains healthy and visually appealing.

For more tips on seasonal care, check out this resource on fall clean-ups.

High angle view of a well-maintained yard preparing for winter — A beautifully maintained yard showcases the benefits of autumn cleaning.

Maintaining a beautiful landscape through autumn clean-up is manageable with proper planning and execution. With these practical tips and approaches, you can successfully secure your yard's health well into the next bloom. Now is the perfect time to invest in your landscape for a stunning spring reawakening!