The better you maintain your landscape in the fall, the less work there will be next spring.
Cooler weather brings mixed emotions. Some people are relieved to find relief from the summer heat and all the landscape maintenance it brings, but others are wary at the thought of the looming cold and dark months of winter. While gardening will be one less thing on your mind come winter, there is still some necessary work to prepare your landscape for fall. The better you maintain your landscape now, the less work there will be next spring. Keep reading for tips to best prepare your landscape for the fall weather.
Fall is the Perfect Time for Mulch
Autumn makes a perfect time to install mulch in the garden because it protects the plant roots from frost and helps keep moisture in the soil during cold, dry weather. Many landscaping professionals recommend mulching in the fall rather than in the spring. This process also suppresses weed growth and protects soil from erosion. Mulch acts like an insulation for the soil. It provides a warmer environment that benefits the earthworms and microbes that keep the ground fertile. Aim to apply a 3-inch-thick mulch layer; anything thicker could become a hiding place for insects.
Mow Your Lawn
For proper lawn care maintenance, a good rule of thumb is to mow your lawn once more in the fall before the grass enters its winter dormancy period. Be sure to lower the blades on your lawn mower so the grass isn’t too tall before receiving snow. Tall grass will be flattened by snow and could cause issues in the spring. By lowering the height of the grass, the Sun can reach the crown of the grass, preventing browning and mold in the winter.
Clean Up Fallen Leaves
Falling leaves are a beautiful sight during autumn, but the mess they create is anything but. They could be a perfect place for pests and mold to settle in for the winter if left untouched. Fall yard cleaning should be done regularly, at least once a week, to prevent leaves and other debris from getting out of control. Cut back overgrown trees and bushes and mow the lawn. Heavy pruning is required before winter to avoid damage to plants from snow and ice storms.
Plant New Perennials
Autumn is the best time to plant most perennials because their root systems have time to establish themselves before the spring growing season. For the same reason, you can also plant new trees and shrubs during the fall. Additionally, your soil is more flexible during the fall, giving the plants an easier time to take root.
Questions? Lehnhoff’s Supply is Here to Help
If you still have more questions about how to prepare your landscape for fall, the trained professionals at Lehnhoff’s Supply are here to help you.
Find us at 2708 Belair Road, Fallston, MD 21047 and give us a call at 410-510-7646. For tips, tricks, and to see what we have been up to, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest!
We serve but aren’t limited to, the following parts of Maryland: Harford County – Fallston, Forest Hill, Joppa, Edgewood, Bel Air, Churchville, Havre de Grace, Jarrettsville, Street, Aberdeen, Abingdon, and Joppatowne. In Baltimore County: Kingsville, Perry Hall, Overlea, Fullerton, Nottingham, Parkville, Towson, Carney, Loch Raven, Lutherville, Timonium, Hunt Valley, Cockeysville, Sparks, Glyndon, Pikesville, Reisterstown, Ruxton, Parkton, Glen Arm, Baldwin, Monkton, Long Green, White Marsh, Rosedale, Phoenix, and Fork.
