September in Bozeman likes to keep us guessing. We’ve seen September days climb to around 90°F, but freezing temperatures aren’t far behind.
In other words, that sunny Saturday you planned to spend outside might be a good time to knock a few things off the fall yard list.
Before the weather turns, take advantage of those good fall days to clean up the lawn, clear leaves and debris, finish outdoor projects, and get your tools and equipment organized for the season ahead. We’ve put together five jobs worth tackling before the snow flies, plus a few tools that can make the work easier. You’ll find plenty of them at Owenhouse Ace Downtown and West.
When Should You Start Fall Yard Cleanup in Bozeman?
September is a good time to get started, but if you’ve lived in Bozeman for a while, you know fall doesn’t exactly follow a schedule. Warm, sunny afternoons can stick around while overnight temperatures drop quickly, and an early taste of winter is always possible.
Instead of waiting until every leaf is down or there’s snow in the forecast, tackle your fall cleanup a little at a time. Start with mowing and leaf cleanup, then work your way through garden beds, trees, gutters, and outdoor equipment.
A couple of productive weekends now can save you from trying to finish everything on one cold Saturday later!
5 Fall Yard Cleanup Jobs to Tackle Before the Snow
Every yard in Bozeman is a little different, but these five jobs are a good place to start before fall gives way to winter.
Step 1: Keep Mowing Until Your Lawn Stops Growing
Cooler Bozeman days don’t necessarily mean it’s time to put the mower away. As long as your grass is actively growing, keep mowing regularly and avoid letting it get too long heading into winter.
- For those last few mows of the season:
- Keep mowing while your grass is still actively growing.
- Clear heavy grass clippings, leaves, and other debris as you go.
- Check your mower blade and replace it if it’s worn or damaged.
- Give edges and hard-to-reach areas one last cleanup with your trimmer.
Need an upgrade or replacement? Shop Ace’s lawn mowers (our team is particularly fond of EGO!), mower blades, trimmers and edgers, and replacement lines.
Owenhouse Tip: Ace Rewards members get FREE assembly and delivery on push lawn mowers $399+!
And once mowing season is officially over, don’t forget about the mower itself. We offer FREE pickup and delivery on qualifying lawn mower tune-ups in the spring and snow blower tune-ups in the fall.
Sign up for our newsletter so you don’t miss the next one!
Step 2: Stay Ahead of Falling Leaves
If you’ve spent a fall in Bozeman, you know waiting for every last leaf to drop isn’t always the best plan. A little rain, an early dusting of snow, or a few cold nights can quickly turn a manageable layer of leaves into a heavy, soggy mess.
Stay ahead of it by clearing leaves as they build up:
- Keep lawns from getting buried under thick layers of leaves.
- Clear walkways, driveways, and areas around your home.
- Tackle smaller cleanup rounds instead of saving it all for one weekend.
For smaller yards in Bozeman, a good rake, work gloves, and lawn and leaf bags may be all you need. Got a bigger yard or just a whole lot of leaves? A leaf blower can do the job much faster.
Step 3: Clean Up Trees, Shrubs and Garden Beds
Fall cleanup doesn’t mean giving every tree and shrub in your Bozeman yard a major haircut. Focus instead on tidying up what summer left behind and addressing obvious problem areas before the snow makes the job harder.
A few good places to start:
- Pick up fallen branches and debris from summer storms.
- Remove dead or damaged branches where appropriate.
- Pull weeds and clear spent annuals from garden beds.
- Be selective with pruning: some plants are better left alone until spring.
For smaller cleanup jobs, a good pair of pruners or loppers should do the trick. Bigger branches may call for a chainsaw or pole saw, while a wheelbarrow or garden cart can save you plenty of trips across the yard. And once the cleanup is done, a shed gives all those tools and supplies a place to stay organized and out of the weather all winter.
Step 4: Clear Gutters, Drains and Outdoor Surfaces
Leaves don’t just pile up on the lawn. They find their way into gutters, around downspouts, onto decks and patios, and just about everywhere else. Before Bozeman’s freezing temperatures settle in, take some time to clear the places where leaves, debris, and moisture tend to collect.
Add these spots to your cleanup list:
- Remove accumulated leaves and debris from gutters.
- Check downspouts and make sure water can drain away from your home.
- Clear leaves and debris from exterior drains.
- Wash away leaf stains and grime from decks, patios, and other surfaces that can be cleaned safely.
Depending on the job, a sturdy ladder and garden hose can go a long way. For tougher cleanup on decks, patios, and other suitable surfaces, a gutter cleaner and pressure washer can help tackle the grime summer and fall left behind.
Step 5. Clean Up Your Outdoor Tools and Equipment
Once the yard is cleaned up, give the tools that did all the work a little attention, too. Before they spend a Bozeman winter tucked away in the garage or shed, clean them up and take note of anything that needs attention.
Before calling it a season:
- Brush off grass, dirt, and other buildup.
- Inspect tools and equipment for worn or damaged parts.
- Make a note of anything that needs maintenance or replacement.
- Organize everything so you can actually find it again come spring.
A degreaser and a good cleaning brush can help tackle stubborn buildup, while the right lubricant can help keep appropriate moving parts in good shape. Once everything is clean, tool storage and organization can help keep the garage or shed organized and save you from a game of “Where did I put that?” come spring.
Is Your Outdoor Power Equipment Ready for Winter?
The yard may be cleaned up, but there’s one more thing to think about before calling it a season. Your mower, trimmer, blower, and other outdoor power equipment need a little attention before sitting through a Bozeman winter. Fuel, batteries, engines, and other components can all require specific care before long-term storage.
Not sure where to start? We’ll tackle all of that next in our How to Winterize Outdoor Power Equipment in Bozeman, Montana guide. Stay tuned!
Find Your Fall Cleanup Tools at Owenhouse Ace Hardware
Ready to get a head start on fall cleanup? Stop by Owenhouse Ace Downtown or West for the tools, outdoor power equipment, and supplies to get the job done.
And if you don’t exactly know what you need, just ask our team! We’re always happy to help you figure it out.
