The fall season is upon us and it is time to wrap up those end of the year lawn and landscape projects. Even though the growing season is nearly over, there are still some things that you can do get your yard in shape for next year. The fall season has its advantages, as some of the services respond well to cooler temperatures.
Steps that you can take to improve your lawn and landscape this fall season.
- One of the most important elements to a healthy lawn is proper fertilizing and weed control. Fall is a perfect time of year to treat your weeds. Since most broadleaf weeds are still actively growing, they can still be treated. Treating these weeds now will reduce the amount of weeds in your lawn in the spring. Fall fertilizing is extremely important. If you live in a climate zone that receives snow, this is especially important to you. When you fertilize your lawn for the last time in the fall (October-November) you are providing the essential nutrients that grass will feed on all through the winter. Before the grass plant goes dormant, it will use these nutrients to sustain itself until spring.
- Fall aeration is a great way to reduce soil compaction, reduce your thatch layer and allow nutrients and water to reach the root system of your grass. Fall aeration should be done several weeks prior to the ground freezing to give the soil time to settle in.
- Cutting down dormant perennials or removing dead annuals will give you a blank slate in the spring. Spring growth on the perennials will not be hampered by the previous season’s old growth. Leaves and debris will not accumulate as easy if the old growth is removed.
- Some shrubs can be pruned during the fall season or at the onset of winter. For deciduous plants, once the foliage is gone it is easier to properly shape your plants
