On the official last day of summer, the metro area saw its first snow.

With September half gone there are some important things that need to be done to get your yard ready for winter.

This is a fantastic time to plant trees, shrubs, and perennials according to Phil Steinhauer of Designscapes Colorado, Inc.

"The cooler temperatures and warm soil temperatures really help get the plant materials established without having to deal with the summer temperatures," said Steinhauer.

That is also why overseeding or sodding is successful this time of year. Adding a fall winterizer on your turf within the next month, will make for a healthy and strong root system next year.

Don't forget to aerate your lawn - this is essential to do in fall and spring.

Raking leaves as they fall will clear up areas were insects can thrive.

This is the time to plan, purchase, and prepare to plant your tulips, daffodils, and hyacinth bulbs for spring.

After you remove your spent summer annuals, get some pansies in for great fall color and early spring blooms.

"Some shrubs and perennials need to be trimmed this time of year but, as a general rule you don't want to do much trimming," said Steinhauer.

Tree trunks should be wrapped to prevent sun scald on young trees.

Now is the time to cleaned up and disinfected your tools for next year.

By cleaning and organizing your tools, pots, containers now, you'll be ready to start next spring.

For other tips featured on 7News at eleven, visit www.designscapescolorado.com.