As the warm days of summer slowly fade, now is the perfect time to begin preparing your landscape for the transition to fall and, ultimately, winter. Douglas County, Colorado, with its unique climate, requires special attention to ensure that lawns and gardens remain healthy through the colder months. With autumn officially beginning next week, it’s the ideal time to put in the necessary work to ensure your landscape stays strong through dormancy and is ready to flourish again in the spring. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a homeowner looking to maintain your yard, a little care in the fall can make all the difference.
Here are some essential steps to prepare your lawn and garden for cooler weather.
- Adjust Your Sprinkler Timer
As the days get shorter and the nights cooler, one of the first steps in preparing your yard for fall is adjusting your sprinkler system. In Douglas County, temperatures in early fall can still be relatively warm during the day, but they cool significantly at night. This temperature shift means you can reduce your watering schedule, but don’t stop. Adjusting your watering schedule based on the temperature rather than the calendar is essential. As the weather cools, you can gradually reduce the frequency and duration of your irrigation. However, if you’re planting new shrubs, trees, or perennials this fall, remember that these new additions will need consistent watering as they establish their roots before the cold sets in.
- Take Care of Weeds Before Winter
Fall is your last chance to tackle any persistent weeds that may have taken root in your lawn or garden. Eliminating weeds now can save you a lot of trouble next spring, as they won’t have the chance to establish themselves over the winter months.In Douglas County, common weeds like bindweed, dandelion, and thistle can be particularly invasive if left unchecked. Pulling or treating weeds in the fall will prevent them from returning with a vengeance once temperatures warm up next season.For best results, hand-pull weeds or apply a post-emergent herbicide while weeds are still actively growing. Keep in mind that herbicide application is most effective when daytime temperatures are still moderate.
- Apply a Final Application of Fertilizer
A final round of fertilizer is crucial for giving your lawn the strength it needs to survive the winter and come back vibrant in the spring. In Douglas County, where cold temperatures can be harsh, this step is essential.This will help promote root health and resilience through the winter months. The goal is to nourish your lawn’s root system to store energy and emerge strong once spring arrives.
- Aerate Your Lawn
Core aeration is another key step in preparing your lawn for winter in Douglas County. Aeration involves removing small plugs of soil and grass from the lawn, which helps reduce soil compaction and improves air circulation. More importantly, it opens up the soil, allowing water, oxygen, and nutrients to penetrate deep into the root system.This process is particularly beneficial before winter because it allows your lawn to absorb as much moisture as possible before the ground freezes. It also encourages stronger root development, which helps grass survive the winter and emerge greener and healthier in the spring. Make sure to schedule your lawn aeration before you winterize your sprinkler system.
- Address Lawn Diseases and Pests
If you experienced issues with lawn fungus, turf diseases, or insect infestations this summer, fall is the time to take action. Addressing these problems before winter can prevent further damage and give your lawn a fighting chance in the spring.In Douglas County, common lawn diseases like snow mold and dollar spot can become problematic if not treated before the cold weather arrives. Similarly, pests like grubs and sod webworms can overwinter in your lawn, causing damage that won’t become apparent until the following season.
- Winterize Your Irrigation System
Before the temperatures drop too low, it’s essential to winterize your irrigation system to prevent damage from freezing water. In Douglas County, where winter temperatures can dip below freezing, failing to winterize your system can lead to burst pipes and costly repairs.Winterization involves draining any remaining water from your irrigation lines and shutting down the system for the season. It’s a good idea to schedule your winterization service early, as we tend to book up quickly as fall progresses.
Get Ready for Fall with BestYard.com
Fall is the perfect time to give your landscape the care it needs to thrive through winter and return strong in the spring. Adjusting your watering schedule, aerating your lawn, and applying the right fertilizer will help your yard stay healthy as it enters dormancy. Please get in touch with us today to schedule your fall lawn care services, including irrigation, winterization, and aeration. Let us help you prepare your landscape for winter so you can enjoy a lush, green yard in spring!
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Source: customer-service@bestyard.com in collaboration with Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado
