Why Fall Cleanup Matters in Kitsap County
The transition from dry summer to Kitsap County's rainy season is the most critical time to prepare your property. Leaves left on the lawn smother grass and invite disease. Clogged gutters overflow and damage foundations. Neglected drainage leads to flooding. A thorough fall cleanup prevents expensive problems and sets your landscape up for a strong start next spring.
September: Early Fall Tasks
Lawn Care
Continue mowing but gradually lower your blade height to 2.5 inches for the final cut
Aerate your lawn — September is the ideal time in the Pacific Northwest
Overseed any bare or thin patches to establish before winter dormancy
Apply a fall fertilizer high in potassium to strengthen root systems
Garden Beds
Remove spent annuals and add them to your compost
Cut back perennials that have finished blooming
Divide overcrowded plants like hostas, daylilies, and ornamental grasses
Plant fall bulbs (tulips, daffodils, crocus) for spring color
October: Peak Cleanup Season
Leaf Management
Rake or blow leaves weekly — don't let them accumulate on the lawn
Mulch thin leaf layers with your mower to return nutrients to the soil
Clear leaves from garden beds, pathways, and driveways
Keep storm drains clear of leaf debris to prevent street flooding
Gutters and Drainage
Clean all gutters and downspouts thoroughly
Check downspout extensions — ensure they direct water at least 6 feet from your foundation
Inspect French drains and catch basins for clogs
Test your drainage system by running water through it before the heavy rains arrive
November: Final Preparations
Apply a final round of mulch (2-3 inches) to protect plant roots from frost
Wrap or cover tender plants that are borderline hardy in our zone
Store outdoor furniture and equipment or cover with waterproof tarps
Schedule a professional gutter cleaning if you have tall trees near your home
Check outdoor lighting — shorter days mean you need functional landscape and security lighting
Common Fall Mistakes to Avoid
Leaving leaves on the lawn all winter — this kills grass and creates fungal problems
Skipping gutter cleaning — the #1 cause of winter water damage to foundations
Heavy pruning in fall — most trees and shrubs should not be pruned until late winter
Ignoring drainage issues — small problems in October become big problems by January
Let Pacific Landcare Handle Your Fall Cleanup
Fall cleanup is labor-intensive, and timing matters. Pacific Landcare Group offers comprehensive fall cleanup packages for homeowners in Bremerton, Silverdale, Poulsbo, Port Orchard, and Seabeck. We handle leaf removal, gutter cleaning, bed preparation, and everything else your property needs to weather the Kitsap County winter.
Call (360) 232-6544 today to schedule your fall cleanup before the rain sets in.