Fall Landscaping Tips: How to Get Your Yard Ready for Winter

As we close the chapter on the hot heat of Summer it's important to think about your lawn! Make sure to take time to schedule these task to keep your yard looking fresh all year.

Bring delicate plants inside - If you have potted plants that don’t do well during colder weather, be sure to bring them inside!

Clean up garden beds - Start by removing debris, fallen leaves and branches, and weeds. You should also consider edging your beds and adding a dusting a mulch (or simply rake the mulch over) to give your beds a clean, neat look.

Remove dead or dying plants - Deadhead spent flowers and remove any plants (especially annuals) that are dying or already dead. And, while you’re at it, cut back your ornamental grasses, too as a part of your fall landscaping.

Add new plants - Fall is a great time to install new plants as cooler temps are easier for plants (and gardeners!) to tolerate. An added plus is that insects and pests are less likely to attack your plants as many of them die off or go dormant.

Plant bulbs - Plant bulbs in the fall time so that you’ll have beautiful flowers in spring! Some popular bulbs you might enjoy in your yard include:

• Crocuses

• Tulips

• Daffodils

• Hyacinths

Rake leaves - Do not allow leaves to build up on your lawn as they can smother your grass, prevent sunlight from reaching it, allow disease to take hold, and inhibit future growth. You can rake the leaves (and get a great work out!) or use a blower to remove them.

Boost your lawn - Fall is a great time to rejuvenate your turf! Aerate, overseed, and apply a starter fertilizer to your lawn in September/October. Look for a late fall winterizing fertilizer and apply in November.

Protect evergreen trees - Evergreens will stay green all year round but you can give them a boost by watering them in the fall and adding dormant oil to protect them in the winter from harsh winds and colder temperatures. This will keep them from drying out.