Common Myths About Winter Lawn Care

Dec 12, 2022
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Common Myths About Winter Lawn Care
As the seasons shift in Douglas County, Colorado—encompassing Parker, Castle Rock, Aurora, and Highlands Ranch—preparing your lawn and landscape for the colder months is essential for promoting a vibrant spring return. Although you may have winterized your irrigation system by now to prevent freeze damage, your lawn still needs attention. Fall remains a critical time for providing adequate moisture, especially considering the ongoing drought conditions in this region.
Here’s how to keep your lawn healthy through these colder months with temperature-based watering strategies.
Why Fall Watering Matters in Douglas County
Fall is a transitional season that can significantly impact the health of your lawn in the long term. The combination of colder temperatures, dry winds, and fluctuating weather in Douglas County can quickly dry out grass and other plants, especially in drought conditions. With consistent moisture, lawns can recover in the spring, and plants may become susceptible to disease, root damage, and browning. By implementing proper watering techniques, you can help your landscape survive winter and return to full splendor in spring.
Water by the Thermometer, Not the Calendar
While most of us may be accustomed to a set watering schedule, fall calls for a more flexible approach. In Parker, Castle Rock, Aurora, and Highlands Ranch, early autumn days can still bring warm temperatures, which may tempt you to extend regular watering. However, monitoring the thermometer rather than a specific calendar date is important to decide when to water.
Use Temperature as Your Guide
The golden rule for fall and winter watering is this: water when the air and soil temperatures are above 40°F. If the temperature is lower than that, the water is less likely to be absorbed effectively and could freeze, damaging plant roots and grass. Therefore, watering only when temperatures are above 40°F ensures that the water can permeate the soil, benefiting the plants without causing harm.
Here are some essential guidelines:
Most residents in Douglas County winterize their irrigation systems by mid-fall to prevent pipes from freezing. However, this does not mean you should stop watering entirely. While irrigation systems might be off, using a hose and sprinkler to provide additional moisture as needed is still beneficial. Could you consider hauling your garden hose and a portable sprinkler for targeted watering during dry periods?
While your irrigation system may be winterized, you can still water using a hose and sprinkler when conditions are right. Here’s how:
As temperatures drop, lawns naturally enter a dormant state, during which growth slows. This dormancy allows grass to conserve energy over winter. However, even dormant grass needs occasional watering to prevent the soil from becoming too dry, especially if fall and winter bring little precipitation.
Push a screwdriver into the soil to ensure your lawn is adequately hydrated. Ideally, it should easily penetrate several inches. If the soil feels hard or the tool doesn’t go in smoothly, it’s a sign that the ground is too dry, and watering may be necessary.
Adopting a temperature-based watering schedule instead of a strict calendar-based one offers several advantages, especially in Colorado’s varying climate:
Beyond watering, other fall maintenance practices can improve your lawn’s health and readiness for spring:
In Douglas County, where winter weather can be unpredictable, a strategic approach to fall lawn care can make all the difference. By monitoring temperatures, continuing hand-watering as needed, and following best practices for lawn maintenance, you’ll create the conditions for a lush, green lawn when spring arrives. Following these tips will help you enjoy a healthier, more resilient yard year-round while conserving water and minimizing potential damage caused by improper fall and winter watering practices. Prepare now, and your lawn will be ready to thrive in the coming seasons, adding beauty and value to your home and landscape in Parker, Castle Rock, Aurora, or Highlands Ranch.
Click “DO IT FOR ME” to request a FREE quote.Source: customer-service@bestyard.com in collaboration with Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado
As summer ends and the cool breeze of autumn starts to set in, it’s natural to start thinking about seasonal changes in your yard and garden. While many homeowners believe that the growing season ends with summer, fall is an excellent time to plant and prepare for future blooms. If you’re wondering whether fall is a good planting season, the answer is a resounding yes!
Here’s why fall planting is ideal, what you can plant, and how to make the most of this transitional season.
Click “DO IT FOR ME” to request a FREE quote.Source: customer-service@bestyard.com in collaboration with Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado
As the intense heat of summer begins to wane, it’s the ideal time to consider enhancing your landscape with new plants. The cooling weather offers a unique opportunity to plant and nurture new additions, allowing them to establish themselves before the chill of winter sets in. With your irrigation systems still running for a couple more months, now is the perfect time to ensure your new plants have the best chance of thriving in the coming seasons.
Planting during this period gives your new plants a significant advantage as they head into the next growing season. They have time to develop a robust root system by getting them into the ground. When spring arrives, these plants will be well-established and ready to flourish, giving your landscape a vibrant head start.
Choosing the right plants is crucial, especially in Colorado’s unique and sometimes challenging climate. Our elevation and the potential for harsh weather conditions require careful selection of plants that can withstand these challenges. Additionally, with the ongoing concerns about drought, it’s essential to focus on plants with low water requirements. But don’t limit your choices to just flowering perennials—consider integrating trees and shrubs into your landscape for a more diverse and resilient garden.
When selecting plants, it’s wise to consult with local nurseries, garden centers, or landscape professionals. They can offer valuable insights into which plants will thrive in your specific environment despite the challenges posed by Colorado’s climate. However, it’s essential to remain flexible. The increased interest in gardening and landscaping has led to higher demand, and some plant varieties may need more supply. Having a few options in mind will ensure that you can still enhance your landscape, even if your first choice isn’t available.
Whether you’re planting now or at any time of year, following a few fundamental guidelines can make a significant difference in the success of your plants. Here’s a checklist to help you get started:
By taking the time to plant now, you’re investing in your landscape’s future beauty and health. Your steps today will pay off when spring arrives, and your garden bursts into life. With careful planning and the right choices, you can create a landscape that survives and thrives in Colorado’s unique climate. So, embrace the cooler weather and get planting—your garden will thank you next season!
Click “DO IT FOR ME” to request a FREE quote.Source: customer-service@bestyard.com in collaboration with Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado
Japanese beetles can wreak havoc on your garden and lawn, and dealing with them effectively requires a proactive approach. Understanding their life cycle and implementing preventative measures can save you a lot of headaches.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to tackling these pesky pests and keeping your lawn and garden healthy.
Identifying Grub Infestation
The first step in managing Japanese beetles is to address the source: grubs in your lawn.
Grubs are the larvae of Japanese beetles and can cause significant damage to grass roots, leading to dead spots in your lawn. Look for irregular brown patches as a telltale sign of their presence. Once you identify grubs, it’s crucial to take action immediately to prevent further damage and prepare for the beetle season.
Effective Grub Treatment Strategies
Grubs thrive in warm and moist environments. Reducing the amount of water you provide to your lawn can make it less hospitable for them. While maintaining adequate hydration for your grass, avoid overwatering, especially during peak beetle season.
There are several organic products available that can effectively treat grub infestations. These solutions are not only safe for your lawn but also environmentally friendly. Encouraging your neighbors to adopt similar treatments can help reduce the overall beetle population in your area, as a collective effort is often more effective.
Applying grub control treatments at the right time is essential. The best time to treat for grubs is late summer to early fall, when they are small and more susceptible to treatment. Consistent monitoring and timely intervention can significantly reduce the beetle population in the following season.
Managing Adult Japanese Beetles
Despite your best efforts, adult beetles may still emerge. Here’s how to protect your plants from these voracious feeders:
While beetle traps are a common solution, their placement is crucial. These traps attract beetles, so placing them near your favorite plants can backfire by bringing more beetles to your garden. Instead, position traps on the outskirts of your property or in a neighbor’s yard, with their permission, to draw beetles away from your plants.
Chemical and systemic insecticides can be harmful to beneficial insects, pollinators, and soil microorganisms. Moreover, they are not safe for pets and children. These chemicals might kill the beetles, but they don’t prevent them from causing damage to your plants. Opt for safer, more sustainable methods of control.
One of the most effective ways to reduce beetle numbers is manual removal. Early in the morning or late in the evening, when beetles are less active, knock them off plants into a bucket of soapy water. It’s a time-consuming method but highly effective in reducing the immediate beetle population.
Planting sacrificial plants like echinacea around the perimeter of your garden can lure beetles away from your prized plants. This method can help protect more vulnerable plants in your garden from beetle damage.
There are various natural sprays available that can deter beetles without harming beneficial insects. However, these sprays often need frequent application and may not be fully effective in stopping beetle damage. Still, they can be a valuable part of an integrated pest management strategy.
Click “DO IT FOR ME” to request a FREE quote.Source: customer-service@bestyard.com in collaboration with Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado
As we enter the season of anticipation and preparation, where nature paints a canvas with vibrant hues, it’s time to think ahead to spring.
Have you planted your spring-flowering bulbs yet? If not, don’t worry; there’s still time to embrace the joys of gardening and ensure your garden bursts into a riot of colors as soon as the last frost melts away.
Planting bulbs allows them to develop strong roots before the harsh grasp of winter. But there’s more to it than digging a hole and dropping in a bulb.
This article will guide you through the process and help you decide which bulbs to choose and how to plant them.
The Early Bird Gets the Bulb
Before diving into the “do’s” and “don’ts” of planting spring bulbs, let’s talk about the importance of timing. The moment you put a bulb in the ground plays a pivotal role in determining when your garden will come to life. So, the first tip of the week is to consider whether you’ve planted your bulbs in time.
Tip of the Week: Planting Bulbs in Autumn
As the days grow shorter and the air becomes crisper, seasoned gardeners know it’s time to think about the beauty that spring will bring. If you haven’t planted your spring bulbs yet, you might be in luck—there’s still time. Planting in the fall gives your bulbs the perfect window to establish their roots before the ground freezes.
With careful planning and consideration, this easy project can bring immense joy and vibrant colors to your garden come spring.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Planting Bulbs
Now that you know the importance of timing, it’s time to delve into the “do’s” and “don’ts” of planting bulbs for a successful spring garden.
The first step in planting spring bulbs is selecting the perfect location. Bulbs thrive in well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. Find a spot in your garden that receives at least 6 hours of daylight daily. The right location will ensure your flowers receive the energy they need to bloom beautifully.
Spring bulbs offer a diverse range of bloom times. Daffodils and crocuses are among the early risers, gracing your garden with their colors at the beginning of the season. Tulips, on the other hand, make their grand entrance a bit later. To create a harmonious progression of colors, check with your bulb seller to learn the expected bloom times for each variety and plan your planting accordingly.
While tulips and daffodils are classic choices, consider adding some diversity to your garden with less common options. Early-blooming snowdrops (Galanthus), with their dainty white bells, can create a unique and charming display. Additionally, late-blooming giant allium, resembling oversized ornamental onions with their purple heads on tall stalks, can add a touch of drama to your garden.
Once you’ve nestled your bulbs into the soil, please give them a good drink. This initial watering helps the bulbs settle into their new home and establish roots. It’s a crucial step in ensuring their success.
It might be tempting to plant your bulbs in neat rows, but this method can lead to an uninspiring result if some bulbs fail to bloom. Instead, try grouping them in pockets or clusters of 10-12 bulbs. This way, you’ll enjoy a burst of color next spring, even if a few bulbs decide to take a break.
Different bulbs have different spacing requirements. Large bulbs, like tulips and daffodils, should be spaced about 6 inches apart, which means you’ll need around five bulbs per square foot. Smaller bulbs, such as crocus and grape hyacinth or miniature daffodils, can be placed about 4 inches apart, requiring eight small bulbs per square foot of garden area. Ensuring proper spacing is essential to avoid overcrowding and competition for resources.
To help your bulbs establish strong roots and ensure healthy growth, use a fertilizer high in phosphorous when planting. This essential nutrient aids in root development and encourages robust flowering. After planting, top-dress the beds with shredded wood mulch or mulched leaves to provide insulation, retain moisture, and protect your bulbs during the winter.
The Bulb Planting Process
To give you a deeper look at the bulb planting process, let’s break it down into a few easy steps.
Choosing the Right Bulbs
The success of your spring garden largely depends on your bulb selection. Here are some popular spring-flowering bulb varieties to consider:
Enhancing Your Garden
To take your bulb planting to the next level, consider the following tips for enhancing your garden’s overall appeal:
Conclusion: The Promise of Spring
Planting spring bulbs is a rewarding and joyful endeavor, and with the proper knowledge and careful planning, you can look forward to a garden that bursts into life with a tapestry of colors come spring. So, if you still need to plant your bulbs, it’s not too late. Follow the “do’s” and “don’ts” of bulb planting, select the suitable varieties for your region, and prepare to be dazzled by the beauty that nature has in store for you.
Embrace the promise of spring, and let your garden bloom with the vibrant artistry of these flowering bulbs. As you watch the first shoots emerge from the soil and the petals unfurl,
you’ll be grateful for the time and effort you put into planting those bulbs during the crisp, cool autumn days. Spring will arrive, and with it, the assurance that nature’s cycles will continue, bringing life, beauty, and renewal to your garden and spirit.
Click “DO IT FOR ME” to request a FREE quote.
Source: customer-service@bestyard.com in collaboration with Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado
Fall lawn care secrets for the best yard.
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