You’ve probably heard conflicting advice about the best time of year for landscaping work. The truth is, some things are better in the fall, while others need to wait for spring and summer. Before you prepare to cuddle up under a blanket in front of a fire all winter, here are a few things to do to ensure great results in the spring.
Take care of your leaves
There are differing opinions as to whether you should rake or mulch your leaves. A Michigan State University study found that those decomposing leaves actually drop some important nutrients onto your lawn. They also protect the grass seeds we’re going to tell you to put down in the next step. So set aside your rake and run your mower over those leaves before putting it away for the winter.
Seed your lawn
At the end of summer, you’ll probably easily identify some bare spots on your lawn. Grab that rake you set aside and loosen the top layer of soil in each of those areas, then put some grass seed down. Make sure you water the areas just enough to moisten the soil so the seed won’t wash away.
Water shrubs and trees
The falling leaves signal the approach of winter. If you live in an area with freezing temperatures, you’ll need to shut your outside water off to help prevent your pipes from bursting. Before you do that, though, give your trees and shrubs one last watering to let the roots get a good soak before winter kicks in.
Plant for next year
If you plan to add some shrubs and trees to your landscaping, fall is a great time. First, you can find a day with the perfect weather for planting. Second, you reduce the risk of shock to your plants that can happen during extreme conditions. Lastly, planting in the fall gives the roots plenty of time to fully establish.
Prune Selectively
Fall is a popular time to trim up all those shrubs, trees, and plants so they’ll look great all winter. However, it’s important to prune carefully to avoid damaging trees. Fall is the time to prune flowering plants and trees that don’t do well in the winter. There’s a comprehensive list here. For most trees and shrubs, though, it’s best to save the pruning for the spring.
If you live in the greater Washington, D.C. area, Great American Landscapes can work with you to come up with a fall landscaping plan. Contact us at (301) 972-5681 to find out how we can help you get your yard in shape before the winter weather arrives.
