It's almost time to pack it in for winter, but before you pat yourself on the back for another awesome lawn season, there are a few things you can do that will make a serious difference come spring. Tackle these 15-minute yard maintenance projects now, then you can rest easy once the temperature drops.

Autumn means football games and visits to the local pumpkin patch. It also means it’s time to get your yard ready for winter. The right preparation now will save you time and energy when spring rolls around, and will keep you and your family safe in the yard year-round. Make sure you get the most out of your yard next year by following our checklist of fall cleanup musts.

This is prime time to prep your yard for the next growing season. Cooling temperatures slow aboveground growth, and moister soil encourages strong root development. Removing spent stems, dead branches, and heavy leaf cover protects plants' overall health.