Wow, fall came fast and furious! We just had the first frost. Time to get your property all ready for the winter months ahead to assure a beautiful spring! Here are some great tips to help you get your yard ready for the cold. Hold on though… we have something for all those gardeners out there who are already planning for the spring!
1. Aerate and dethatch the lawn
Perforating your lawn with small holes reduces compaction that restricts root growth and allows water, oxygen, and fertilizer to more easily reach the soil.
2. Apply a dose of fertilizer and weed preventer
An application of fertilizer before winter arrives will allow your lawn to soak up essential nutrients to recover from the summer heat. Come spring your lawn will be rejuvenated.
3. Mow one final time
Don’t let your lawn head into winter without one final mowing. Cut the lawn shorter than usual to allow it to take in oxygen over the winter.
4. Remove weeds from the lawn and planting beds
Weed removal in fall is one of the best ways to prevent an invasion in the following spring and summer.
5. Remove leaves from the yard
A heavy layering of leaves can smother and kill the lawn once snow falls. If you do have a mulching lawn mower though, it’s great to use that last mow to cut up those leaves which will than serve as food for the soil and your lawn when the spring sun comes back to say hello!
6. Trim dead and overgrown tree limbs
Pruning can help your trees stay healthy and disease free, so grab that chain saw and get to it. Don’t go overboard thought because too much pruning can cause harm to your trees. Use pruning shears for smaller branches.
7. Cut back perennials
Most perennials can be cut back in late fall to prevent foliage from becoming insect breeding grounds. Some perennials, such as Black-eyed Susans, should be left uncut until spring. They provide food for birds and also create their own ground cover with rosettes of small leaves’
Can’t wait for spring?
Believe it or not, there are several things you can start in the fall for that early harvest time in the spring.
- Garlic
- Onions and Shallots
- Spring Onions
- Broad Beans
- Peas
If you missed it, check out last month’s blog post – Best Bulbs to Plant in Fall
Whatever you do, take time and enjoy the cooler weather, the changing of the leaves, and the crispness of the air. Happy Fall!
To learn more about our landscape design and planning services, contact Paul Lepard, RLA, PP at plepard@navenewell.net or 610.265.8323.