Leaves also provide winter protection for tree roots. Plant ground cover in difficult areas. Mulch exposed ground with wood chips, hay, or pine needles to keep moisture around plants. Increase activity in spent soil areas by top dressing them once in spring and once in fall with organic matter such as compost, leaf mulch, or peat moss. This makes plants healthier and more resistant to insects, drought , fungi, and disease.
Lawns can survive with little or no fertilizer.
Clover is not a weed and should not be killed. Its root nodules contain bacteria beneficial to the lawn and plants. Finally, don't worry about dandelions or other weeds. Weeds are judgment calls. Dig them out by hand if you don't like them, and be grateful for the exercise and chance to spend time in your healthy yard.