YARD MAINTENANCE KNOW-HOWS: HAVE A “FALL BACK” PLAN TO SPRING AHEAD NEXT SEASON
Previously, we told you how to put some spring in your garden’s step. We also told you about the best plants to grow in our valley. Now that fall is here and winter is quickly approaching, you’re probably thinking it’s about time to call it quits with the yard work. However, it’s time to start preparing your yard to make things easier on you next season! Try these great tips below from BobVila.com to get your yard and garden ready for next year.
Quiz Your Soil
Okay. We obviously aren’t talking about asking your dirt about the 23rd United States President. You do, however, need to test your soil…its pH balance that is. How many years have you been planting in that soil? There could be some vital components that are missing. You can use the test results to determine what fertilizer will work best to awake and rejuvenate your yard.
Awake and Rejuvenate Your Yard
That brings us to our next point. Fall is the perfect time to breathe a little more life into your yard. How? First, you could fertilize your lawn. The fertilizer helps stimulate root growth. That helps strengthen the lawn for the winter and promotes quick growth after the spring thaw. Now is the best time to reseed your lawn as well. The soil is just warm enough to help the grass roots get into the ground, attributing to a lush lawn in the spring.
Were you sitting out looking at your plants thinking that it was time for a change this year? Get on it now. Remember how we just said the fall has the best conditions for grass roots to dig in? The same goes for new shrubs and landscaping trees as well. Goodbye Coolibah, hello Western Redbud!
Time to Trim
While you are sprucing up your lawn with fertilizer and seed, you also need to think about cutting it down one last time. Short grass reduces the risk of snow mold, which can kill your grass (defeating the purpose of reseeding it, if you’re following that step). It might be a little bit of a hassle now, but guess what? If you trim it one last time now, you won’t have to worry about it until spring!
Your shrubs and trees might need tending to as well. You can identify any dead limbs while there are still leaves present. When it comes to trimming trees, it’s especially important to check for dead limbs. The ice and snow could cause them to break, and could possibly damage your home or hurt someone. As Benjamin Franklin said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!”
“Stick” To Tidiness
Fall storms can cause twigs and sticks to scatter across your yard. While Fido may be in his glory, no one likes a unkempt-looking yard.You can, of course, repurpose that wood. Your best bet is to store the sticks somewhere covered to dry (not in an attached garage, where wood-eating pests may find it). When the sticks are ready to go, it’s time to get some fires going in the fireplace, and with what better kindling?
While we’re tidying up, let’s talk about leaves. Kids love jumping into piles of them, and adults hate the way they make flower beds look. Even still, don’t rake them! Sounds crazy, right? Keeping leaves in your flower bed actually helps protect them from ice and snow a little longer in the colder weather. Who knew?
Crack Down on Cracks and Grime
Have you noticed any cracks in your paving stones or along your garden? Fill them in while you can! If you don’t, moisture can seep into the cracks and turn into ice. The ice could then further the cracks. Ward off any extra damage!
Right before the winter comes is a great time to clean your gutters as well. Summer shouldn’t dump too much debris in there, but fall can take its toll. Prevent any ice dams or breaking gutters now by getting rid of all the debris before it’s too late!
Do you have any tips of your own on fall plans for your yard and garden? How do these tips stack up? WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Let us know in the comments!