Fall is harvest season — the time when gardeners gather the last of the summer vegetables, clear the beds, and prepare for colder months. But just because the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to fall doesn’t mean your garden work is over.

In fact, autumn is the perfect time to set your garden up for long-term success while also supporting pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects. Here are five expert fall gardening tips from Meagan, horticulturist and site manager at Compton Gardens & Arboretum in Bentonville, Arkansas.

1. Compost or Reuse Your Leaves

Don’t bag those leaves just yet. Fallen leaves are nature’s mulch — they insulate delicate plants during freezing temperatures and help enrich the soil over time. You can also run over them with a mower to shred them into nutrient-rich mulch for your vegetable garden or flower beds.

Bonus: Many beneficial insects will overwinter in leaf litter, helping your garden stay biologically active.

2. “Leave the Leaves”

Resist the urge to tidy up too early. Leave your perennials, grasses, and groundcovers standing until spring — ideally, until May. Native bees and other beneficial pollinators hibernate in plant stems and seed heads during the winter. This trend, known as the “leave the leaves” or messy garden movement, is growing in popularity among eco-conscious gardeners.

3. Prune Your Trees During Dormant Season

Late fall into winter is the best time to trim trees. As trees go dormant, they produce less sap, which reduces the attraction for pests and diseases. Pruning during this window helps promote healthy growth in spring while protecting the tree from potential winter damage.

4. Support Local Wildlife with Food and Water

Not all birds migrate and not every critter hibernates through the winter. Provide clean water sources and healthy bird feed to support overwintering wildlife. You’ll be rewarded with the company of songbirds, squirrels, and maybe even a few curious chipmunks.

Fun fact: Chipmunks don’t fully hibernate — they nap for a few days, wake up to snack, then snooze again.

5. Prepare Your Soil for Spring

Fall is an ideal time to add compost, mulch, or cover crops to your garden beds. By improving your soil’s health during the offseason, you’ll be ahead of the game when planting time arrives in the spring. Healthy soil equals stronger plants and fewer pests in the long run.

Wrap-Up: Small Fall Tasks, Big Spring Rewards

Autumn is more than just the end of the growing season — it’s your chance to build a more sustainable, biodiverse garden. By following these simple fall gardening tips, you’ll be helping your plants, pollinators, and local wildlife thrive all year long.

Want to learn more about seasonal gardening and native plants? Visit Compton Gardens & Arboretum and explore our trails, interpretive gardens, and eco-friendly horticulture practices.