Leaf & Pine Needle Pick Up
As fall winds down, the tendency is to put lawn care on the back burner until spring blooms anew. But by taking time to put your landscape “to bed” in fall, your lawn will reap the rewards.
- Most Homeowners think they are done after picking up their leaves and pine needles.
- That is an important first step, but not the whole story for a healthy yard.
- Give your lawn a healthy start next spring by managing these “11 Pro Tips” this fall.
Tip 1: Pick up leaves and pine needles.
Fall cleanup will save time for gardening come spring, and clearing your lawn of leaves, pine needles and sticks will prevent the heavy, wet foliage from suffocating the turf. Dark, moist environments are breeding grounds for disease.
Tip 2: Feed your lawn.
Think of fall fertilization as refueling and replenishing your lawn after a long, hot summer. Fall fertilization will help your lawn maintain your lawn’s root health and replenish nutrients that were expended in summer months. Fall feeding should be timed the plants are still absorbing nutrients, so don’t wait too long. Fall feeding can start in October or into November.
Tip 3: Air out the soil.
Thatch build-up and foot traffic can com-pact soil, which cuts off oxygen and nutrient supply to the roots. Aeration loosens soil and literally airs out the earth. Soil plugs that are removed can be left on the lawn – they will eventually break down, providing nutrients to your lawn. Balding turf, matted-down grass, sparse new growth, pools of water and tough ground are signs you need to aerate.
Tip 4: Level and reseed.
Start spring on level ground by filling ruts and low spots were water collects now. Early fall is the best time to reseed a lawn so surface roots establish before winter. Loosen soil with a dethatching rake, add soil amendment and evenly apply seed. Or better yet, do this with aeration.
Tip 5: Divide plants.
If your perennials are overcrowded, fall is an ideal time to divide the root ball and replant. Cutting back the plants prior to transplanting can help reduce shock.
Tip 6: Plant fall bulbs.
Plant in fall to enjoy spring’s first blooms –crocus, daffodil, tulip. The best time to plant is after the first frost so the bulbs will stay cool all winter. Dig holes for bulbs and fertilize before replacing soil.
Tip 7: Mulch.
Applying a fresh layer of mulch in the fall insulates soil and roots, moderates extreme temperatures, and keeps plants and organisms alive longer. This will shorten the freezing cycle and help the soil retain moisture. Next spring it will prevent weeds from growing and get your garden going earlier.
Tip 8: Mow lower.
Make the last mowing of the season a shorter-cut since you will retire lawn equipment or services until spring comes around again.
Tip 9: Remember to water.
Before you put away that watering can and retire the sprinklers for the season, remember that thriving plants are still thirsty. Water early in the day to avoid evaporation and disease development. And water deep. When you see moisture soak into the soil of container plants and beds, apply another dose.
Tip 10: Decorate for the holidays.
Fall is the time to think festive! Draw attention to your home and landscape with holiday lighting. Find ways to incorporate a pop of color by filling containers with seasonal selections – mums for fall, or outdoor decorations for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Tip 11: Clean up.
Wash down the patio furniture and store it for the season. Make sure to pick up toys so they don’t get buried or lost.
- OF COURSE we would love to care for your Fall Chores.
- BUT, whether we provide for you or not, we want your home to be the best it can be.
- THEREFORE, we want to provide you the best professional advice for your Christmas Lights in this guide.
- THIS IMPROVES our neighborhoods, community, and environment.
If you have some items on your “to-do” list and want to move some to someone else’s “to-do” list, CALL 720-851-7550 or click the Do It For Me button below to discuss your lawn care needs or request your FREE quote.
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We Provide Best Leaf and Pine Needle Clean Up Services In:
- Aurora
- Parker
- Castle Rock
- Highlands Ranch
- Lone Tree
- Castle Pines