Care for Your Landscaping in the Fall
Traditionally, fall is the perfect time to take stock of the year and make preparations for the hard winter ahead. Even if we don't closely follow harvest times or worry about lean winter months anymore, fall is still a good time to get your yard in order and make some preparations for cold weather. If you've worked with landscape professionals in the past, they can advise you on what kind of preparations you'll need to make in fall for a smooth transition to winter. Here are a few of the things to consider.
Cut back
As the trees and shrubs in your backyard start to lose their leaves, think about making some judicious cuts. This reduces the risk of falling branches in a winter storm, and it's also easier to cut back tree growth when the foliage is getting thin. Bare branches are easy to reuse either as mulch or firewood.
It's a good idea to consult an arborist for large tree-trimming projects, especially for trees close to buildings or power lines. Absolute Tree of Northern Virginia specializes in all aspects of tree care, including trimming, stump grinding, removal, and much more. They can advise and plan on projects too big for a simple DIY.
Protect your plants
You can also use time in fall to mulch your plants for winter. The pros at Moyers Lawn Service have been serving Montgomery County, Maryland and its environs since 1981. Their comprehensive selection of landscaping services will take the worry out of your winter prep work.
Even a light freeze can endanger most tropical or subtropical plants. Bulbs sensitive to frost should be removed and stored in a warm place. Tall stands of plants like canna lilies or elephant ears may require a lot of trimming before their bulbs can be dug up.
Winterize your water features
If your landscaping includes any water features, these may need attention before freezing temperatures arrive. At the very least, plants should be trimmed back and debris removed from the water. Netting placed over the pond surface catches leaves and other debris.
If you live in a climate with mild winters, you can continue to operate pond pumps as normal. Water lilies can be trimmed and moved to a deeper end of the pond. Fish can handle cold weather, as their metabolisms slow down below 60 degrees.
If you plan to shut down your pond over winter, you should completely drain the water from any piping to prevent expansion and bursting during a freeze. Clean all filters and store them along with the pump in an area that doesn't freeze. Consult a pond expert about managing fish over winter without a pump.
Now that your yard is ready for the cold weather, you can focus on enjoying the great indoors and maybe take on an interior project or two. For more tips on seasonal maintenance around your home, follow TheHomeMag on Facebook and Instagram.
