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| Fall maintenance makes for a healthier landscape in the spring. |
A crisp scent in the air signals two things: pumpkin-spiced everything is now available, and it’s time to get busy with yard maintenance. Taking care of the lawn and garden now will mean a healthier landscape in the spring. So put down that pumpkin-spiced latte and grab a rake.
Clean It Up
General cleanup is the first step to fall yard maintenance. Decrease the chance of overwintering diseases by removing weeds and debris from flower beds, vegetable gardens and especially from roses. Tree leaves can suffocate lawn, making the perfect breeding ground for destructive insects, so be sure to rake them up as soon as possible.
Lawn Care
Feed, weed and aerate are the key words for fall lawn maintenance. In cool-weather regions, a quick-release fertilizer that contains urea or ammoniacal nitrogen is recommended. In areas where grass continues to grow all year-round, a controlled-release formula high in water-insoluble nitrogen is best.
Fall is the season to control broadleaf weeds. A selective herbicide or good old-fashioned hand weeding are the most effective methods to control broadleaf plantain, ground ivy and dandelions.
Aerating helps reduce the amount of water needed to penetrate through to the lawn’s roots. If needed, first dethatch the lawn with a thorough raking to remove dead grass. Follow up by aerating.
Tree and Shrub Care
The planting season for shrubs, trees and vines extends through the end of October. There is still time for roots to establish themselves before temperatures drop. Protect the bark of shrubs and young trees from rodents with a cylinder of mesh cloth. Remove broken or problematic limbs and branches in the fall, but leave heavy pruning for late winter. Give shrubs and trees a deep soak if rainfall is light.
Bulbs and Perennials
Tender bulbs should be dug up and stored for the winter. Plant spring-blooming bulbs such as tulips, hyacinths, crocus and daffodils. It is also the perfect time to divide and replant hardy bulbs like iris and other perennial plants such as Oriental poppies.
Cold Care
In regions that frequently experience winter temperatures below freezing, it’s necessary to protect cold-sensitive plants. Place frost barriers, such as a blanket of burlap, around roses, shrubs and perennials that might be damaged by the cold. Transplant tender perennials or tropical plants into pots to spend the winter indoors.
Mulch
Fall yard maintenance starts with cleaning and ends with mulching. Cover beds with a two-inch layer of fresh mulch to help retain much-needed moisture, protect roots from frost and provide an extra boost of nutrition to the soil.
A bit of effort during autumn will pay off with a neat-looking yard, less plant loss and happy plants ready to burst into bloom next spring.
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