As summer begins to wind down, most of us are ready for some cooler weather. But is your yard ready too? Here are some tasks to consider as the seasons begin to change over to autumn.
Clean up. Leftover debris from spent plants is unattractive, and can also attract pests and diseases to your yard. Remove annuals that are no longer producing, deadhead flowering plants, and clean up dying vines.
Trim trees and shrubs. When the growing season is over, it’s time to trim trees and shrubs. Use caution with sharp tools and when climbing on ladders.
Fertilize the lawn. As the grass goes dormant, it’s time for another round of fertilizer. This will ensure healthier, more lush growth next season.
Reseed the lawn if necessary. If you’re noticing unattractive bare or thinning spots in your lawn, reseeding might be in order.
First, check the pH of your soil, and make any necessary adjustments. For best results, a pH between 6 and 7.5 is recommended. Add lime to the soil that falls below 6, or sulfur if your pH test comes back above 7.5.
Reseed your lawn after adjusting the pH for the best results.
Replace summer annuals. If summer annuals have died, leaving you with bare spots in the garden, it’s time to replace them. Choose flowers or other ornamental plants that thrive in autumn, making sure to fertilize appropriately.
Plant bulbs for next spring. If you want to enjoy spring flowers that grow from a bulb, such as lilies or tulips, autumn is the time to make those plans.
Call us if you need help. If you have questions about any part of your landscape design, give us a call. We can help you make the right decisions about your lawn, ornamental trees, flower beds, and more, to help your home look its best.