Plus it will keep weed germination down. Control the weeds that germinated with the fall rains. It is a much easier job now than in the spring. A hoe or hand pulling will do it. This is not a good time of year to use herbicides.
Lawns benefit from a late fall application of slow-release nitrogen fertilizer.
Don't use quick-release fertilizer, as it will just leach away. Cut back late flowering perennials like asters and chrysanthemums to a few inches. Peonies can be cut back all the way to the ground. Mulch the crowns with compost. Trim back roses to knee height so winter winds won't cause damage.