Fall Landscaping Guide 2024

Introduction

Fall is the time to get your garden ready for the winter months and have a healthy landscape come spring. This guide will cover fall landscaping tasks, garden maintenance and creative ideas for your outdoor space during this season.

1. Preparing Your Garden

1.1 Cleaning Up

• Remove Debris: Clear leaves, branches and other debris from your lawn and garden beds. Pests and diseases can overwinter in your garden if you don’t.

1.2 Soil Care

• Aerate the Soil: Aerating relieves soil compaction and helps roots grow. Use a fork or an aerator to make small holes in the soil.

• Add Compost: Sprinkle a layer of compost over your garden beds to feed the soil. This helps plants establish strong roots.

1.3 Mulching

• Apply Mulch: Mulching retains moisture, regulates soil temperature and reduces weed growth. Use organic mulch like shredded leaves, straw or wood chips around your plants.

2. Planting and Transplanting

2.1 Bulbs and Perennials

• Plant Spring Bulbs: Plant bulbs like tulips, daffodils and crocuses in the fall for a spring display. Make sure they are planted at the right depth for their type.

• Divide Perennials: Fall is the time to divide and transplant perennials like hostas, daylilies and irises. This promotes healthy growth and prevents overcrowding.

2.2 Trees and Shrubs

• Plant New Trees and Shrubs: Cooler temperatures and more rainfall make fall a great time to plant trees and shrubs. They will have time to establish roots before winter.

• Prune and Trim: Trim dead or diseased branches from trees and shrubs to promote healthy growth. Don’t prune too much as it can stress the plants before winter.

3. Lawn Care

3.1 Overseeding

• Overseed Your Lawn: Sprinkle grass seed over your lawn to fill in bare spots and thicken the grass. Choose a seed mix for your climate and lawn type.

3.2 Fertilizing

• Apply Fall Fertilizer: Use a fertilizer high in potassium to strengthen grass roots and winter hardiness. Follow the instructions on the package for best results.

3.3 Raking and Mowing

• Rake Leaves: Rake leaves regularly to prevent them from suffocating your lawn. Or use a mulching mower to chop them into small pieces and leave them as a natural fertilizer.

• Final Mowing: Continue mowing your lawn until the grass stops growing. Gradually lower the mowing height to prevent snow mold and other winter diseases.

4. Curb Appeal

4.1 Seasonal Plantings

• Fall Flowers: Plant fall blooming flowers like chrysanthemums, asters and pansies for a pop of color. These hardy plants can take cooler temperatures.

• Decorative Containers: Use decorative containers filled with seasonal plants and foliage to add interest to your porch or patio.

4.2 Hardscaping

• Install Pathways: Consider adding stone or brick pathways to your garden to add structure and accessibility.

• Outdoor Lighting: Install outdoor lighting to highlight features and create a cozy atmosphere for fall evenings.

5. Wildlife-Friendly Landscaping

5.1 Bird Feeders and Houses

• Set up Bird Feeders: Provide food for birds by setting up feeders with seed and suet. This will attract birds to your garden and support them through the winter.

• Install Bird Houses: Offer shelter for birds by installing birdhouses or leave some natural elements like dead trees for nesting.

5.2 Pollinator Plants

• Plant Pollinator Flowers: Include late blooming flowers like goldenrod and sedum for nectar for bees and butterflies.

Done!Fall landscaping is key to a healthy and beautiful garden all year round. Now go out and get to it and enjoy in the spring!󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿