enjoy gardening during cool fall days!

Autumn is a great time for gardening, such as lawn care, installing plants and bulbs and preparing your garden for the cold months ahead.

Early September Lawn Care:  Mow short and dethatch (remove dead grass with rake)  Aerate entire lawn area. Over-seed with a recommended Tall Fescue Mix, using shady mix for shady areas and a sunny mix for sunny areas.  Apply a slow-release fertilizer and a layer of Composted Organic Matter/ topsoil.  Water frequently until established

September Shrub Care:  Apply slow-release fertilizer to shrubs.  Inspect & correctively prune shrubs and trees. 

Planting: September is a great time time to install plantings (water well to ensure establishment before winter). Later in the fall plant spring-blooming bulbs.

Fall Landscape Maintenance:  Remove leaves from lawn and planting beds  Edge beds and install 2”-3” thick layer of shredded hardwood bark mulch. Do not place any mulch against tree trunks and stems of shrubs to prevent root rot. In November, cut back perennials to a few inches above grade. In December, spray evergreen shrubs with an anti-desiccant to protect plants during the winter months.