Starting around the beginning of October, leaves start to turn then fall onto our lawns, beds and driveways making a slick mess everywhere. The days get shorter, darker and colder, which means it’s time to start preparing our landscapes for the upcoming winter months.
Mow your lawn a little shorter to allow the sun to reach the roots. Use winter fertilization with weed killer to make a thicker, healthier lawn next spring. This is also the time to use pre-emergents to remove annual grasses that are unwanted.
Shrubs and trees can be pruned at this time to help them force new growth for the springtime. Fruit trees especially need to be pruned and sprayed with a sulfur based anti-fungus to keep them from becoming diseased.
Irrigation systems should be turned off and blown-out with air compressors to keep the lines from breaking during winter freezes. It’s also a good time to review that everything (sprinklers, valves, timer) works first, before turning it off.
One thing that the fall is good for is planting lawn seed, trees and shrubs. Many times you can find shrubs on clearance or bare-root at the end of summer, and they will require less water during this time since it will be raining. Try to plant your lawn seed before the typical freeze period starts in your area. Allow one to two weeks for germination to assure your lawn will make it through the winter. Over-seed as needed in the spring and enjoy!