Is your yard ready for Autumn?
Leaves are starting to change, the air feels cooler, and days are getting shorter, it’s time to start prepping your yard for fall and winter! Getting your yard or garden ready for fall can seem like a big undertaking. We have a few steps that might make the task a little less daunting
Divide perennial plants
Dividing perennial plants such as Hostas will help them grow stronger and spread more evenly. Dividing also helps prevent overcrowding of plants which could lead to disease. Plus, who doesn’t love free plants from ones you originally bought!?
If you're not sure how to go about dividing perennials, don't worry you (most likely) won’t kill them. Follow these few steps and you’ll be sure to enjoy your plants and their babies for years to come.
- Dig around the plant with a shovel, being careful not to sever any of the roots.
- Pry the plant out of the ground and divide it into sections using your hands or a sharp knife.
- Replant each section, making sure to pack the soil down well around the roots.
- Give each plant plenty of water and be sure not to let them dry out. They are going to be a little stressed out, but they will bounce back after a week or two of TLC.
Add a Layer of Mulch
One of the best ways to get a jump on Fall is to add a layer of mulch to your yard. Mulch helps to protect your plants from the cold weather and also helps to keep the soil moist. Plus, it looks nice too!
There are many different types of mulch, so be sure to choose one that will complement your landscaping. If you're not sure which type of mulch to choose, send us an email and we’d be happy to help!
Stake young trees
The best time to stake young trees is when they are first planted, the second-best time is now. This will help them grow straight and tall.
- Dig a hole for the tree that is twice as wide as the pot it came in and just as deep.
- Loosen the soil around the edges of the pot and place the tree in the hole.
- Straighten the tree and make sure it is centered in the hole.
- Fill in around the tree with soil, making sure to pack it down firmly.
- Cut a piece of sturdy metal wire and bend it into a U-shape.
- Place the wire around the trunk of the tree, just below the first branch, and twist it closed.
- Repeat on the opposite side of the trunk.
Remove Dead Plants
Now is the time to start removing any dead plants from your yard. Dead plants can be a breeding ground for pests and diseases, so it's important to get rid of them as soon as possible. You can either compost the dead plants or take them to the dump, but make sure they're disposed of properly so they don't create any unwanted messes.
This one may seem like a no brainer, but did you know dead plants can be a breeding ground for pests and diseases? Composting dead and unwanted plants is a great way to clean up your yard and create nutrient rich soil for next planting season.
Trim Dormant Perennial Plants
Now is a great time to trim any dormant perennial plants in your yard. This includes plants like roses, lavender, and thyme. Trimming them now will help them grow back healthy and strong next spring. Just be sure to use clean, sharp shears to avoid spreading disease.
Trimming plants that will soon go dormant will help them grow back healthy and strong for next spring. Be sure to us clean sharp trimming shears to avoid spreading disease. Plants like Roses, Hydrangeas and Lavender all benefit from a good trim in the fall.
Although it's not officially fall yet, there are a few things you can do to get your yard ready for the season. Start by fertilizing and mulching your leaves and reseeding any bare patches. You can also remove any dead plants, trim any dormant perennial plants, divide perennial plants, plant flowers bulbs and garlic, stake young trees, and add compost. By preparing your yard now, you'll be able to enjoy it all season long.