Fall is in full swing

Fall is in full swing, the days are getting cooler and the leaves are falling. Keeping the leaves off the grass is very important. Keeping up with the leaves not only helps with the health of your lawn, but it will ensure that your lawn care treatments can be done in a timely manner. To remove leaves from your lawn, use a leaf blower or your lawn mower (set on the tallest setting). Using a rake will damage new seedlings. If using your mower to pick up leaves, try to do it in the afternoon when the grass and leaves are dry. Lawns that have been seeded with-in the last thirty days still need to be watered once a day until the end of November. For established lawns, continue to water ¾ of an inch until you winterize your irrigation system. There is no need to lower your mower height this time of year. Your lawn will look better and be more healthy if you leave your mower on the tallest setting.

Trees and Shrubs

Mulching trees and shrubs is a good way to reduce landscape maintenance and keep plants healthy. Leaf removal will probably reduce the mulch quantity in your landscape beds. Apply additional mulch or compost to maintain a 2 inch layer, being careful to not pile mulch where the plant stem meets the ground. If you have excess build up of mulch this would be a good time to turn it to allow oxygen and moisture in to assist in the decay process.

Liriope needs to be cut back before new growth begins in the spring. Perform this task prior to mulching so the debris does not spoil the look of the new mulch. Use your lawn mower with the bagger for quick and easy results.

Perennials such as Black Eyed Susan and Purple Cone Flower should be cut back this time of year. Check the stems first to make sure there is no green tissue prior to cutting.

Bulbs, such as tulips, should be planted now for spring color. Be sure to include a bulb fertilizer at planting time. A good trick to prevent moles/voles from eating your crocus bulbs is to roll chicken wire into a tube, overlapping one time, and placing the bulbs inside the tube prior to planting.

Spring is the time for pruning roses. Do not cut off canes in the fall. It is better to stake and tie extra long canes in the fall to prevent winter wind damage.