Fall Clean-Up

Tips for a Healthy Landscape

As the vibrant colors of autumn fade, it’s time to start thinking about preparing your landscape for the colder months. Fall clean-up is not only about tidying up, but also ensuring your property stays healthy and primed for spring growth. At Courtland Landscape and Grounds, we’ve got you covered with our top fall clean-up tips to keep your landscape in peak condition all year round.

1. Rake and Remove Leaves

While the colorful blanket of leaves is a sight to behold, leaving them to pile up can harm your lawn. Fallen leaves block sunlight and trap moisture, which can lead to mold, disease, and patches of dead grass. Make sure to rake regularly or consider mulching the leaves to nourish your soil.

2. Prune Dead or Dying Branches

Fall is the ideal time to prune trees and shrubs, removing dead or weak branches that could break during winter storms. Not only does this protect your home and property, but it also promotes healthy growth in the spring. Focus on cutting back perennials and ornamental grasses, allowing them to regrow stronger when warmer weather returns.

3. Aerate Your Lawn

Over the summer, your lawn experiences heavy foot traffic and compacted soil. Aerating in the fall loosens up the soil, allowing nutrients, water, and air to reach the roots more effectively. This step is crucial for a lush, green lawn next year.

4. Fertilize

Fall is a critical time for fertilization. Applying a high-quality fertilizer helps your grass store nutrients to survive the winter and bounce back healthier in the spring. Look for a fertilizer rich in potassium to strengthen your plants’ roots and prepare them for harsh weather.

5. Clear Debris and Clean Beds

Clear out any fallen branches, twigs, or debris from flower beds and around trees to avoid pests and mold. Consider adding a layer of fresh mulch to protect your plants’ roots and maintain moisture levels during the dry winter months.

6. Prepare Your Garden for Spring

If you have a vegetable garden or flower beds, fall is the perfect time to clean them up and add compost or organic matter. This enhances soil fertility for spring planting and helps protect against erosion during winter.

7. Winterize Irrigation Systems

Before the first frost hits, it’s essential to winterize your irrigation system. Drain and shut off sprinklers to avoid freezing pipes, which can lead to costly repairs come spring.

8. Plant Fall Bulbs

Fall is the perfect time to plant bulbs for spring-blooming flowers such as tulips, daffodils, and crocuses. Planting them now ensures you’ll enjoy a vibrant garden once the snow melts away.

COURTLAND LANDSCAPE & GROUNDS

Tilllsonburg: 332789 Plank Line, Tillsonburg, ON N4G 4H1

London: 1285 Hubrey Rd Unit 6, London, ON N6N 1E2

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