It’s easy to remember spring as the busiest time in the landscape, but fall brings a significant number of change – and tasks. Not getting things in order before year’s end can hinder next spring’s glory. Around Thanksgiving, you’ll want to edge your sidewalks and driveways and apply pre-emergent weed control in beds and on paved surfaces. This will give you a significant head start on yard work in the spring.
A little weed control this fall will save you time next spring.
If the leaves are down, rake them up before they damage the lawn. If you have space and want to enjoy free and natural soil amendment, create a compost pile or bin. These tips from Ohio State University Extension tell you how.
Autumn is the time to aerate your lawn and remove thatch if the ground is compacted. Set your mower blades to 2.5 inches for the final mow of the season.
Pruning and trimming
Perennials can be deadheaded to promote growth throughout the growing season. Remove dead foliage in the late fall. Ornamenal grasses can remain uncut through the winter until about mid March, before new growth begins.
Chrysanthemums are sensitive and sometimes don't make it through a harsh Ohio winter. To give them the best chance to bloom next fall, cut off the dead flowers. Keep about half of the stems to help protect the crowns. Cover the crowns with three to four inches of loose mulch of hay or straw. For more information, check out these mum-growing tips from Ohio State University Extension.
Fall plantings need to be watered two times a week until Nov. 15. All trees need a deep watering to promote root growth.
No time this fall for yardwork? Hennessy Landscaping will be happy to help. We do fall cleanup through our annual maintenance plan or as a one-time job. To get your landscape ready for winter -- and spring's glory -- just give us a call or send Joan an e-mail.
Serving our central Ohio customers since 1988. P.O. Box 528, Galloway, OH 43119
