Programs such as these collect leaves in the fall for composting and provide residents with low-cost or even free leaf-compost material for spring planting (a cubic yard of similar material sells for $25 to $55 plus delivery from a landscaper or garden center, Ms. Roach says).
Or you can create your own compost heap in a corner of the yard that you're not using, she says.
2. Weed and prune
It may be tedious, but a little weeding now will go a long way in the spring, Ms. Roach says. People "spend a lot of their dollars and time trying to get rid of weeds," she says. "Right now is when you can really minimize next year's weed problems."
Your goal should be preventing current issues from worsening, rather than perfection. Target seed-laden weeds and others with runner-like roots, says Ms. Roach.
You should also examine woody plants, like shrubs and trees, to see if there are any dead or broken branches that might give way in winter winds or snow, potentially causing damage, Ms. Roach says. If so, prune them, or for larger trees, consider hiring a professional to do so for you, she says.
3. Clear gutters and drains
Unclogging gutters and outdoor drainage is essential for preventing water damage to your house, says Nicholas Brand, founder of Vancouver-based window- and gutter-cleaning service Men in Kilts.
If you neglect your gutters, Mr. Brand says, you risk water backing up and seeping into your roof or spilling over and down the side of the house, damaging your foundation.
The timing of your cleaning is critical, he says—too early and your gutters will reclog; too late and they'll be filled with frozen debris. Aim for a cleaning right before the first snow, he says.
If you hire a professional, the service typically runs $250 to $300, but varies by house size, says Mr. Brand. Be sure that you have sufficient liability insurance and that the service company has local workers'-compensation insurance, he says.
4. Insulate plants
"When it's cold outside, we can put jackets on, but plants can't," Mr. Allentuck says. So if the temperature in your area dips below freezing, or you know a cold snap is coming, make sure your plants have adequate insulation, he says.
One way to do so is to put down a one-layer inch of mulch to protect roots, he says. In addition, it's a good idea to cover frost-sensitive plants with burlap, a sheet or a cardboard box, he says. You can move potted plants indoors or close to the house for extra warmth, he adds.
But be sure to remove those coverings once the sun comes up and temperatures rise. "Otherwise, you'll end up with a baked plant," says Tom MacCubbin, host of a gardening radio program in Orlando, Fla.
5. Plant new perennials
In many regions, late fall is the perfect time to plant new perennials—and in warmer climates, most trees and shrubs as well as cool-season annuals, says Lili Singer, director of special projects and adult education at the Theodore Payne Foundation for Wildflowers and Native Plants in Sun Valley, Calif.
Garden centers often have steep discounts this time of year, says Ms. Roach. Ask a local garden professional which plants typically thrive in your area if planted now.
And in some southern states, where lawns can really take a beating during the summer months, this might be the right time to aerate, reseed and fertilize your lawn, says Mark McAuliffe, vice president of operations at Cross Creek Nursery and Landscaping in Richmond, Va.
