This is a great time of year to plant trees and shrubs, cut back perennials, remove annuals and get your lawn healthy for next spring. Its important to keep watering because trees and shrubs that are deprived of water now will be easily stressed in the winter. Below is a handy guide to fall clean up tasks.
September:
Collect seed and herbs for drying
Add compost or manure to garden beds
Cover water features with netting to collect falling leaves
Check houseplants for pests, then start to move indoors
Plant new trees and shrubs, to give them at least six weeks before frost
Plant spring flowering bulbs
Clean bird feeders, gardening tools
Continue watering trees and shrubs until the ground freezes
Pull weeds before they go to seed to reduce the number of weeds next year
Fertilize your lawn.
October:
Transplant shrubs or young trees to new locations
Cut diseased areas out of perennials. Do not compost.
Rake and compost any fallen leaves
Clean up garden debris
Remove all vegetable plants and fallen fruit
Remove dead annuals from the garden, after a frost
Cut back perennial foliage to discourage overwintering pests
Leave flowers with seeds for the birds
Continue watering trees and shrubs until the ground freezes
Sharpen lawn mower blade and pruners
Trim tall grass away from trees and corners of your home to discourage small rodents from creating nests
Dig up tender bulbs such as Dahlias, Cannas and Gladiolas. Wrap them in moist material and store in a cool, dark space.
November:
Fertilize your lawn
Divide spring and summer blooming perennial plants
Turn off outside water connections
Drain garden hoses
Continue watering trees and shrubs until the ground freezes
Wrap screening around fruit tree trunks to protect from small animals
Mulch rose bushes
Clean fallen leaves in downspouts and gutters.
We're available late into the season to help with cleanups and unique tasks, so make sure to drop us a line!
Comments