As the cooler months approach, fall is the perfect time to prepare your landscape for the harsh winter ahead. A little effort now can ensure your yard stays healthy and vibrant when spring returns. Here’s a fall landscaping checklist to get your outdoor space ready before the first frost hits.
1. Prune and Trim Shrubs & Trees
Late fall is ideal for pruning trees and shrubs after their growing season has ended. Trim dead or damaged branches, and shape your plants to prevent winter damage from snow or ice. Be sure to avoid cutting too much from spring-blooming varieties like lilacs and azaleas, as they form buds in the fall.
2. Rake and Remove Leaves
Leaving piles of leaves on your lawn can smother the grass and invite pests or mold growth. Make sure to rake up fallen leaves and compost them or use them as mulch around your garden beds. You can also shred the leaves and spread them as a natural fertilizer for your lawn.
3. Final Lawn Mowing
Before the grass goes dormant, give it a final mow. Lower the mower blade slightly to keep the grass from matting under snow, which could lead to fungal diseases. Cutting the grass to around 2-2.5 inches is ideal for most lawns.
4. Aerate and Overseed the Lawn
Fall is a great time to aerate compacted soil, especially for cool-season grasses like tall fescue. Aeration helps the roots receive more air, water, and nutrients. Follow up by overseeding bare patches to promote new growth before winter sets in.
5. Fertilize for Root Development
While growth above ground may slow, the roots of your lawn and plants continue to grow in the fall. Applying a slow-release fertilizer with high phosphorus content will strengthen the roots, setting the stage for a healthy spring lawn.
6. Mulch Garden Beds
A layer of mulch around trees, shrubs, and perennials can help insulate the soil and retain moisture through the winter months. Organic mulches like wood chips or straw also decompose over time, enriching the soil.
7. Protect Delicate Plants
Tropical plants like hibiscus and banana plants need extra protection during Midwest winters. Wrap larger plants in burlap or frost cloth, and bring potted tropical plants indoors before the first frost to prevent damage.
8. Winterize Irrigation Systems
Don’t forget to drain and shut off your irrigation systems to prevent freezing. If you have outdoor faucets or hoses, detach them and store them indoors. Winterizing your sprinkler system by blowing out the lines is also crucial to avoid costly damage.
9. Plant Fall Bulbs
If you want a burst of color in early spring, now is the time to plant bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and crocuses. Be sure to plant them before the ground freezes, giving them time to establish roots.
By following this checklist, your landscape will be well-prepared for winter, and you'll have a healthier, more vibrant yard when spring rolls around. At Greenscape Outdoors, we’re here to help with all your fall landscaping needs.
Contact us today for expert advice and services to keep your outdoor space in top shape year-round!
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