When should you do the autumn garden cleanup in Stockholm?
By Service Plus Stockholm AB3 min read
Short answer
When is the right time for an autumn garden cleanup in Stockholm?
Autumn cleanup in Stockholm is best done from the end of September to mid-November, when most of the leaves have fallen but before the ground freezes. Start with flower beds and the lawn in October and finish with leaf collection and winter protection in November. Service Plus carries out autumn cleanups across Greater Stockholm, with the RUT deduction.
Why does the timing matter?
Leaves left on the lawn over winter smother the grass and leave brown, mossy patches in spring. Perennials that are not cut back become a breeding ground for fungal diseases, and weeds allowed to set seed in October mean ten times more work in May.
At the same time, you should not clean up too early. If you cut back the beds in September while the plants are still green, they lose nutrients that would otherwise be stored in the roots for winter.
What should be done in September, October and November?
An autumn cleanup in Stockholm works best as three rounds rather than a single day.
- End of September: weed one last time, mow the lawn slightly shorter than in summer and remove summer flowers that have finished.
- October: cut back perennials that have died down, dig over vegetable beds, plant bulbs and trim the hedge one last time if it needs shaping.
- November: clear leaves from the lawn, sweep paths and patios, empty and turn over pots, shut off the outdoor water and cover sensitive plants.
What is included in an autumn cleanup from Service Plus?
Service Plus Stockholm AB carries out autumn cleanups as a one-off job or as part of a maintenance contract. A standard cleanup includes leaf collection, cutting back perennials, weeding in beds and paths, sweeping hard surfaces and winter preparation of sensitive plants.
Removal of leaves and garden waste is available as an optional extra, so you do not have to drive to the recycling centre yourself. The labour cost for the cleanup itself qualifies for a RUT deduction (the Swedish tax deduction for household services) of up to 50%.
What happens if you wait until spring?
It is possible to put everything off until spring, but it costs more work. Leaves that have lain under snow are heavy and wet, the grass beneath them is often dead and the weeds have had time to take hold. A spring cleanup after a skipped autumn cleanup generally requires considerably more work.
The exception is beds with evergreen or seed-bearing perennials, which can happily be left until spring for the sake of birds and pollinators.
Common follow-up questions
Can you do the autumn cleanup when it is raining?
Yes, but wet leaves are heavier and the lawn is easily damaged by foot traffic. Service Plus prefers to schedule autumn cleanups on dry days and moves the appointment in heavy rain.
How long does an autumn cleanup of a house garden take?
It depends on the size of the plot, the amount of leaves and how many beds need weeding. Service Plus assesses the scope on site before the work begins.
Does autumn cleanup qualify for the RUT deduction?
Yes. Autumn cleanup, leaf collection and weeding on the plot of your home qualify for a RUT deduction of up to 50% of the labour cost. Waste removal is not covered by the deduction.
