Keep in mind that fall clean up does not mean that your garden must be immaculate. In fact, leaving some fallen leaves and twigs around and especially over the planting beds can be beneficial. This type of cover prevents soil erosion and moderates soil temperature. Leaving small areas of weeds, branches and leaves can also provide habitats for small wildlife. It is important to remember that pristine landscapes are unnatural and can be devoid of beneficial birds, insects and wildlife.

One exception is if there has been a disease or pest problem in the garden over the growing season. You will want to remove and dispose of affected plant parts away from the home, garden and compost pile so that you don't harbor inactive problems only to have then resurface in the spring.

Then, add your autumn debris of dry leaves, spent annuals and perennials, pruned twigs, weeds, etc. to your compost pile so next spring and summer you can use the finished compost to enrich your planting areas.

Courtesy of the NYBG Plant Information Service