The secret to getting a picture-perfect landscape in the spring and summer is taking good care of it during the fall. Follow these fall landscaping tips below to help your lawn and garden survive during the winter and thrive next spring.
Rake and Remove Debris
Before the first major snowstorm arrives, make sure to give your lawn a good raking. Although some debris can be okay if it’s left on the lawn, any heavy accumulation of leaves can end up suffocating the grass, leaving dead patches behind once the spring arrives. This can also encourage heavy thatch build-up. So remove as many leaves as you can.
Add Grass Seed
Fall is a good time to add grass seed to any bare sections. Throw a decent amount of grass seed down and lightly press the seeds into the soil. Then give it a deep soaking and water it every second day for the next two to three weeks, depending on the weather.
Plant Trees or Shrubs
This season is ideal for planting new trees and shrubs since the soil is still warm enough to encourage the roots to develop and grow. Before the plants or trees go dormant for the winter, water and follow the instructions carefully so they can get a jump start before everything freezes.
Keep Mowing the Grass
You can keep mowing the lawn until the first frost. This will encourage healthy, strong grass shoots, giving the lawn a better chance of being thick and vibrant next spring. Once it’s time to mow for the last time before tucking it away for the winter, make sure the mower is set low to cut the grass shorter. This will help it resist disease and damage from the snow and ice.
Clean and Store Equipment
The right tools can make landscaping maintenance much more efficient and easier. You can make your garden equipment last longer and work more effectively by taking a little time to care for them before placing them in the shed for the winter. We recommend using a wire brush to remove mud and other debris, and use steel wool to remove any rust spots. Also, don’t forget to empty the gas tank, drain the oil, clean the undercarriage and remove the blades on the mower so you can sharpen them for next year.
Prefer to leave your fall landscaping to the pros? At Hansen Lawn and Gardens, our team can take proper care of your landscape throughout the year. Contact us to learn more about our services and rates in Ottawa.