The lazy, carefree days of summer are behind us once again and in the midst of cooler temps and cozy sweaters, we find ourselves back in the enchanting rhythm of fall. In many ways, fall is a time of farewells – an au revoir to big leafy canopies that shaded us from the heat of the summer sun and to the long days of endless outdoor adventuring. But fall is also a time of new beginnings – a new school year, a new football season and maybe even a new flannel shirt. It’s much the same way when it comes to your landscape. Here is our checklist of 10 important to-dos to consider as you say goodbye to a season of lush green growth, embrace a season of dormancy and prepare for next year’s growing season.
10 Things To Do This Fall
- Fall is a perfect time to fertilize your lawn. Since grass roots continue to grow until the outdoor temperature drops below 40 degrees fahrenheit, fall fertilizing means green grass will sprout a bit earlier next spring.
- On the subject of grass, make your final mowing of the season a bit shorter than summer mowings. Trimming grass to 1.25 inches makes it easier for fall’s leaves to blow right across your lawn and makes it more resistant to disease.
- Walk around your property paying close attention to your trees and bushes. Trim any dead or dying branches or shrubbery to prevent them from ending up all over your yard or damaging your roof or siding during big winter storms.
- Trim perennial foliage to the ground. This conserves energy so your plants can focus on maintaining a healthy root system for next year’s growth.
- Add mulch in the form of leaves, straw or wood chips, on top of new beds or around the base of newly planted trees or shrubs. This protects earthworms and soil microbes and insulates root systems against harsh winter weather.
- Blow water out of your drip irrigation tubing to avoid standing water that, when frozen, can crack your tubing and cost you a pretty penny in the spring.
- Assess the drainage situation around the base of your home as soil can settle and shift over time. Regrade the slope of the ground away from your foundation where needed to prevent the spring thaw from wreaking havoc on the lower level of your home.
- Your in-ground plants and trees are getting ready to hibernate for the winter. Water them thoroughly to help sustain them during the long months ahead.
- Don’t dump your container plants if they are still thriving – bring them indoors! You can keep them in a warm and sunny space and bring them back outside next spring. And who knows? You may even enjoy fresh herbs in January!
- Feed the birds. Bird food becomes scarce in the fall and winter months. By putting out a little bird seed you are investing in the wellbeing of these beautiful creatures whose songs you enjoyed all summer long.
If you would like help getting your yard ready for the winter months and planning ahead for next spring, don’t hesitate to contact us. We would be happy to help!