Chicagoland + Illinois homeowners: fall isn’t maintenance — fall is preparation.
Fall in Illinois: The Most Important Season for Your Lawn
In Illinois, especially across Chicagoland, winter hits hard.
Freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and drastic temperature drops can severely damage lawns, roots, and landscape beds if they aren’t properly protected in the fall.
If you prepare in autumn, your lawn thrives in spring.
If you skip fall prep, you pay for it in spring.
Here are the 6 essential fall steps every homeowner and landscaper should follow — using compost, mulch, soil mixes, and recycling services available from Midwest Compost LLC.
1. Fall Cleanup: Remove Leaves & Organic Debris
Leaves left on your lawn trap moisture, attract mold, kill grass, and create pest problems.
How to do it:
- Rake or blow leaves and remove branches
- Clear out flower beds and edges
- Empty pots and planters
Why it’s important:
- Prevents lawn suffocation
- Reduces the risk of fungus and insects
- Prepares the ground for compost and mulch
Midwest Compost offers leaf pickup and yard waste recycling
Your leaves become compost — not landfill waste.
2. Compost Topdressing: Nourish the Soil
After cleaning, feed the lawn.
Topdressing with compost:
- Strengthens grassroots before freezing
- Improves soil structure and drainage
- Retains moisture through winter
How to apply:
- Spread ¼ inch of compost on the lawn
- Water lightly to activate nutrients
Order compost online (delivery to home or job site):
midwestcompostllc.com/
3. Mulch Garden Beds & Trees: The Natural Blanket
Mulch protects roots from harsh temperatures — it acts like insulation.
Benefits:
- Protects perennials and shrubs from freezing
- Prevents moisture loss
- Creates a clean, polished look for fall and winter
Apply 2–4 inches around beds, trees, and shrubs.
Shop mulch (hardwood, leaf mulch, color-enhanced):
midwestcompostllc.com/
4. Aerate + Overseed
Summer compacts the soil.
Aerating your lawn lets oxygen, nutrients, and water reach the roots.
After aerating → overseed + compost
Compost works as the perfect seed cover, boosting germination.
Result:
A thicker, stronger, greener lawn in spring.
5. Protect Young Trees & Perennials
Wrap the trunk of young trees to prevent:
- Frost cracks
- Sunscald
- Rodent damage
Mulch the base — just don’t let mulch touch the bark.
6. Final Winter Readiness Check
Before the first freeze:
- Turn off irrigation and hoses
- Store pots and tools
- Cover delicate plants if needed
A couple of hours now = hundreds saved in spring repairs.
Where to Get Compost, Mulch & Soil
Order Online or Visit Us
Midwest Compost LLC proudly provides premium compost, mulch, and soil for homeowners and landscapers across Illinois.
Elgin, IL — See location information
West Chicago, IL — See location information
Learn more at: midwestcompostllc.com
We offer:
- Compost for lawns and gardens
- Mulch for root protection
- Soil mixes for leveling and reseeding
- Leaf pickup & yard waste recycling
Available for:
- Homeowners
- Landscapers
- Contractors
- Bulk and commercial orders
Order online
Delivery available
Pick up at either location
Sustainable landscaping isn’t just better —
it’s necessary for a healthier lawn in spring.
Order online today
midwestcompostllc.com/shop
At Midwest Compost LLC, we recycle nature back into life — and deliver it to your driveway.
