If you want to achieve an attractive and healthy looking landscape in the spring, you’ve likely heard your landscaper say that you’ll have to start caring for it as early as the fall season. Some homeowners who make the mistake of performing some subpar care routines for their landscapes during the fall are often left wondering why it isn’t as lively or beautiful during the spring. Luckily, it’s fairly easy for you to avoid this dilemma entirely.
In this post, Sherwood Gardens Landscape Design & Development discusses the five methods of maintaining your yard and landscape this fall.
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Cut At The Correct Height – Mowing your lawn during the fall isn’t a one time-only-event. In fact, it will continue to grow until the first hard frost of winter appears so you’ll have to keep it trimmed to the ideal height of 2 ½ to 3 inches. Otherwise, it can mat and become vulnerable to snow mold. Avoid cutting it too short as well as it can curtail the grass’ root system and affect its ability to withstand the winter chill. By regularly mowing your lawn, you can keep the grass in top condition as leaving behind the chopped leaves gives a soil-enhancing mulch for the grass.
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Remove The Leaves – You’ve likely played around with a pile of dead leaves on your lawn or your backyard. While doing so is fun, that doesn’t mean you should leave it there as it isn’t good for grass. This is because they can trap light and moisture, killing the grass beneath it. With that in mind, always make it a point to blow or rake the fallen leaves away and dispose of them properly.
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Fertilizer – In order for your landscaping to last the winter, they’ll need plant sugars in order to protect their roots from freezing and have the energy to bounce back for the spring season. To that end, you should conduct a late-fall application of a slow-release fertilizer. Keep in mind to avoid applying it anywhere near waterways, however, as they may be contaminated by the runoff. In fact, it’s often recommended that you apply a 5-foot buffer if water is present.
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Loosen The Soil – Loosening the soil every now and then prevents it from being covered with thatch, stems and debris that can prevent the required nutrients, water and oxygen from reaching the soil. Use a core aerator to punch holes through the thatch and dig up plugs of soil. Experts recommend that you do this before you fertilize your lawn.
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Continue Watering – Some homeowners make the mistake of letting up on watering their yard solely because the weather is starting to get cooler. Unfortunately, the natural moisture that winter brings won’t be enough to keep the roots healthy and properly hydrated during the winter. As much as possible, keep watering your lawn until the end of October to keep it in good condition.
To install outdoor lighting in your home, don’t hesitate to turn to Sherwood Gardens Landscape Design & Development. We are your leading provider of lighting and outdoor living services. Give us a call at (405) 212-5113 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation. We serve homeowners in Norman, OK, and other nearby areas in the state of Oklahoma.