Fall Landscaping Tips

Lawn Care

• Keep the grass mowed at 2 to 3 inches to provide best resistance to disease and maximum nutrients to the blades. You may consider making your last cut of the season slightly shorter to make leaf clean-up a little easier.
• Apply a quality fertilizer and weed killer in mid-October to support spring growth and reduce weeds that may flourish in cooler temperatures. As grass becomes dormant you may also consider spot treating stubborn weeds.
• For lawns that have become compacted, aerating in the fall can give a big boost to spring growth. Aerating loosens soil so water and nutrients can more easily reach the roots. Walk-behind aerators may be rented from many hardware and DIY stores.
• Reseed or overseed bare areas now, while temperatures are cool, and don’t forget to water. Even if you have not seeded your lawn, regular watering in the fall will keep your lawn healthy.
• Rake fallen leaves regularly to maintain sunlight to your lawn and prevent mold and yellowed spots. Your yard should be cleared of leaves every three to four days, and more frequently if the leaves are wet.

Garden Care

• Plant debris for flowers and vegetables are best cleared in the fall when growth is complete. Trimming spent perennials allows more energy to the roots for spring growth and removing debris from your vegetable garden reduces the slug population for the following season.
• Vegetable gardens benefit from a fall tilling followed by a layer of compost or grass clippings to reduce weed growth and feed the soil.
• Summer bulbs, such as begonias and gladiolas, may be dug up after foliage is dead and before the first significant frost. Store them in a cool dry place until spring planting.
• Plant spring bulbs, including daffodils, crocus, and tulips, before the ground freezes.
• You may lightly trim roses and cover them late in the fall when they are dormant. Save any serious pruning for spring, however.
• Prune dead or damaged limbs from trees to prevent damage from winter storms and snow.
• A layer of winter mulch can serve as a great insulator for some shrubs and perennials. Ask a professional about which plants may benefit and how thick to spread it.
• Consider planting new trees and shrubs in the fall while it’s still warm enough for roots to get established and cool enough to prevent the stress of a hot, dry summer day. Water carefully up until the ground begins to freeze.
• Cover water features in your landscaping with netting to keep debris out of the water lines and be sure to turn off the water and clear the water lines before cold temperatures cause freezing and damage.