As the vibrant autumn colors begin to paint the trees around Coquitlam and the morning frost starts kissing our gardens, it’s time to prepare our outdoor spaces for the Pacific Northwest’s wet winter ahead. Fall cleanup isn’t just about tidying up – it’s about setting your garden up for success next spring while protecting your plants through our mild but soggy winter months.
Why Fall Cleanup Matters in Coquitlam’s Climate
Living in Coquitlam means dealing with unique growing conditions. Our Zone 8b-9a climate brings wet winters, occasional snow, and that famous Pacific Northwest drizzle that can last for months. Proper fall cleanup helps prevent fungal diseases that thrive in our humid conditions, reduces pest overwintering sites, and ensures your garden emerges healthy when spring arrives.
Essential Fall Cleanup Tasks
1. Leaf Management: More Than Just Raking
Those gorgeous maples and oaks dropping their leaves aren’t just creating work – they’re offering valuable resources. Here’s how to handle them:
Remove diseased leaves completely. Any leaves showing signs of fungal spots, rust, or other diseases should go in your municipal green waste bin, not your compost. This is especially important for cherry, apple, and other fruit tree leaves that may carry overwintering diseases.
Compost healthy leaves. Layer them in your compost bin with nitrogen-rich materials like grass clippings or vegetable scraps. Shred larger leaves first to speed decomposition.
Create leaf mold. Pile leaves in an out-of-the-way corner and let them decompose naturally. In 12-18 months, you’ll have rich, crumbly leaf mold perfect for soil amendment.
Mulch tender plants. A layer of leaves around the base of marginally hardy plants like tree ferns or tender perennials provides extra winter protection.
2. Perennial Care and Division
October and November are ideal months in Coquitlam for perennial maintenance:
Cut back spent perennials, but leave ornamental grasses and plants with interesting seed heads for winter interest and bird food. Hostas, daylilies, and peonies can be cut to ground level once foliage yellows.
Divide overgrown perennials. Many perennials benefit from division every 3-4 years. Daylilies, irises, and ornamental grasses can be divided now, giving them time to establish before winter.
Leave beneficial stems. Hollow-stemmed plants like bee balm and native grasses provide overwintering habitat for beneficial insects. Consider leaving some stems standing until late February.
3. Lawn Care for Our Wet Climate
Coquitlam’s wet winters can be tough on lawns. Prepare yours with these steps:
Final mowing. Cut grass shorter than usual for the last mow of the season – about 2 inches instead of the typical 3 inches. This reduces the risk of snow mold and makes spring cleanup easier.
Rake up excess leaves. While a light layer of leaves won’t harm your lawn, thick layers can create anaerobic conditions and encourage fungal problems in our moist climate.
Improve drainage. If you have persistent wet spots, fall is the time to address drainage issues before winter rains begin in earnest.
4. Vegetable Garden Cleanup
Harvest and store. Late root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts actually improve in flavor after light frosts. Harvest what you need and leave the rest in the ground with mulch protection.
Remove spent annuals. Pull up finished tomato, bean, and squash plants. Healthy plant material can be composted, but remove any diseased plants entirely.
Plant cover crops. If you have empty beds, consider sowing crimson clover or winter rye to protect and improve soil over winter.
Protect tender herbs. Bay laurel, rosemary, and Mediterranean herbs benefit from protection against our occasional cold snaps. Move containers to sheltered locations or wrap in-ground plants with burlap.
5. Tree and Shrub Maintenance
Prune strategically. Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches, but save major pruning for late winter. Many flowering shrubs set next year’s buds in fall.
Wrap young trees. Newly planted trees benefit from trunk wrapping to prevent sun scald and frost damage during temperature fluctuations.
Mulch around trees and shrubs. A 3-4 inch layer of organic mulch helps regulate soil temperature and moisture while suppressing weeds.
6. Garden Structure and Tool Care
Clean and store tools. Remove soil, oil metal parts, and store tools in a dry location. Sharp, clean tools make spring work much easier.
Drain hoses and irrigation. Prevent freeze damage by draining and storing hoses. Shut off exterior water valves and drain systems.
Check and repair structures. Inspect fences, trellises, and raised beds for winter damage. Make repairs now while weather is still cooperative.
Don’t Forget These Coquitlam-Specific Considerations
Wind protection. Our area can experience strong winter winds. Stake tall perennials and check tree ties to prevent damage.
Slug and snail management. Our wet climate creates perfect conditions for these pests. Remove hiding spots like old boards, dense vegetation, and leaf piles near vulnerable plants.
Soil protection. Cover bare soil in vegetable beds with mulch or tarps to prevent nutrient leaching during heavy winter rains.
Planning Ahead
Use fall cleanup time to plan next year’s garden. Take photos of successful plant combinations, note areas that need improvement, and start dreaming about spring additions. Many local nurseries offer fall sales on trees and shrubs – perfect timing for planting in our mild climate.
The Reward of Preparation
A well-executed fall cleanup means less work in spring when you’re eager to get planting. Your garden will emerge from winter healthier, and you’ll be ready to enjoy Coquitlam’s beautiful growing season from the moment the first crocuses push through the soil.
Remember, fall garden cleanup is a marathon, not a sprint. Work through these tasks gradually over several weekends, and don’t forget to enjoy the crisp air and beautiful autumn colors while you work. Your garden – and your spring self – will thank you for the effort.
Ready to tackle your fall cleanup? Take it one task at a time, and remember that even small steps make a big difference. Happy gardening, Coquitlam!