Having a Healthy Landscape in the Fall

The seasons are changing, which means that our yard work routines will be changing, too. Here are a few ideas on keeping your landscape healthy throughout the fall season, and how to prepare for the changing Georgia temperatures.

Mowing 

Because early fall can bring some warmer days, you should continue to mow as long as your grass is growing. However, when the temperature drops enough, and summer showers are no longer a factor, consider making your final mow of the season. This will better your chances of having a healthy landscape.

It is suggested to mow your grass down to 1 1/4 inches so that disease has a harder time setting in. Leaves will also move more easily across the grass, as they are not getting hung up in the longer blades. However, be sure not to mow your lawn shorter than this, as grass creates most of its food using the upper parts of the blade. And before you store your mower away for the winter, make sure that it is working properly and is clean of any debris or dirt.  

Don’t Leave the Leaves

While leaves can look gorgeous, even when on the ground, this can be dangerous for your landscape if you do not rake regularly. When smothered with layers of heavy, wet leaves, lawns don’t have the chance to “breathe.” This can actually prevent your grass from growing or remaining healthy throughout the cooler months.

If leaves are left, mold can set in during the winter, causing a health hazard. Additionally, pathways and sidewalks can become hidden or slippery if leaves are left on them, putting your family and friends at risk of falling. By simply raking or blowing leaves off your landscape on a consistent basis, you can avoid these issues. Be sure to collect leaves in bags or tarps as well, to avoid them from spreading to your neighbors’ yards.  

What to Trim Back

Dead limbs and branches on trees should be trimmed during the fall time. Because the weather will get cooler, these limbs can become liabilities during frost and strong winds. To protect your home, cut off any loose, cracked or disease branches, but be sure to not damage the trunk of the tree.

What to Plant

Planting new shrubs in the early fall will allow for the plants to take root before the cooler weather sets in. These shrubs can add color to your home when all the pretty leaves are gone. Also, consider what plants you want to see in the spring, and plant their bulbs accordingly. If you properly maintain your landscape throughout the fall and winter, it is more likely that you will have beautiful flowers blooming come springtime.

Fertilization and aeration are also important to maintaining your lawn during the fall, and maintenance mowing might be needed. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all you need to do to keep your landscape healthy in the fall, contact us hereat Vines Gardening. We can provide all of these services and more, to keep your yard healthy and you happy.