Fall brings plenty of fun traditions. People are excited about their pumpkin spice lattes. We’re starting to plan our Halloween costumes, from the crazy extravagant over-the-top options to the minimal effort variety. The leaves on the trees are turning a gorgeous autumn hue, and you might even be venturing out into the garden to plant some fall vegetables.

If you own your home, the change from summer to fall brings some annual yard to-dos. These tasks not only help your yard flourish and survive the tough winter months, but they also leave a positive impact on the environment. That’s something we can all get behind.

The TurfMutt Foundation, which encourages outdoor learning experiences, stewardship of green spaces, and care for living landscapes, has put together some tips to keep your yard in tip-top shape this fall. Come springtime, your yard will be a bounty of green grass, pretty flowers, and joyful songbirds. Bonus points if you can convince someone you’re actually in a Disney movie while you’re on the phone with them.

Check out the tips below, perhaps while sipping on some apple cider. Cheers to fall!

Mulch Leaves: Mulching your leaves rather than raking and bagging is good for your lawn and the environment. As shredded leaves decompose, they feed your lawn, naturally.

Aerate the Family Lawn: Aerating prevents soil from becoming compacted and covered with thatch — a thick layer of roots, stems and debris that blocks water, oxygen and nutrients from reaching the soil.

Mow at the Right Height: Keep cutting your grass until the first hard frost. Find the just-right length for your species, typically between 2-3 inches, to keep your grass healthy when it turns cold.

Water Wisely: If you’re not getting at least an inch of water a week from Mother Nature, you’ll want to keep watering through the fall. Install watering solutions, such as smart controllers on irrigation systems, to help conserve water.