Photo Credit to Courtalis Landscaping
As October arrives in Maryland, it is a good time to start thinking about how your property will handle the colder months ahead. Taking care of a few important tasks in the fall can help protect your plants, prevent winter damage, and make it easier to get your landscape ready for spring. Here are some practical steps to include in your landscape preparation this fall.
Protect Your Plants
Some plants need extra protection as temperatures begin to drop. Bring sensitive potted plants indoors when necessary, and consider covering vulnerable plants during periods of especially cold weather. Fall is also a good time to prune away dead or damaged branches and remove diseased plant material. However, avoid excessive pruning of many plants in the fall, since new growth can be more vulnerable to winter temperatures.
Address Drainage Issues
Fall is an excellent time to look for areas where water collects after heavy rain. Poor drainage can lead to standing water, soil erosion, and other problems that may become worse during freezing and thawing conditions. Check areas around your home, planting beds, walkways, and other parts of your property for drainage issues. Addressing these problems as part of your landscape preparation can help protect your property throughout the winter.
Refresh Your Mulch
Adding a fresh layer of mulch to planting beds can help insulate plant roots and protect the soil from temperature fluctuations. Mulch can also help retain moisture and reduce erosion during periods of heavy rain. Before adding new material, remove excessive buildup or compacted mulch around plants. Then, apply an appropriate layer while keeping mulch away from direct contact with plant trunks and stems.
Check Your Hardscaping
Your landscape preparation should also include your hardscaping. Walk around your property and inspect patios, walkways, retaining walls, steps, and other hardscape features for cracks, loose materials, or areas that may need attention. Taking care of minor issues before winter weather arrives can help prevent small problems from becoming more significant after repeated freezing and thawing.
Prepare for the Season Ahead
A little preparation in October can go a long way toward protecting your Maryland landscape during the winter. By caring for plants, improving drainage, refreshing mulch, and checking your hardscaping, you can help keep your property in good condition through the colder months and make spring maintenance easier.
Questions? Lehnhoff’s Supply is Here to Help
If you still have more questions about finding a landscape supplier, 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, X – 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.