Here's What Fall Means for Your Landscaping Requirements
Although fall brings the blazing colors of autumn reds, browns and oranges to your Pleasant Valley, NY, landscape, and the cooler weather is great for huddling around an outdoor fire pit or fireplace, the care for your landscape doesn’t end with the summer season. Fall is an ideal time for planting, giving you a great chance to upgrade your landscape or start a new landscaping project. Here are some fall landscaping requirements that Lehigh Lawns and Landscaping can help you with:
Overseeding and Aeration
Autumn weather is great for lawn overseeding and aeration. The temperature of the ground is lower which helps more seeds to sprout. Proper lawn care during fall is crucial for the plants’ strong and fast growth in the spring. The roots continue to stay active during the winter and need proper care in the fall. Aeration helps the water and nutrients reach the grassroots and softens the soil to allow better coverage. The process of aeration includes breaking up the surface soil with a machine called a lawn aerator. Leave this job to a Lehigh professional contractor with access to quality equipment and who will make sure the entire surface area of your lawn is correctly prepared and overseeded.
Soil Testing and Planting
Fall is ideal for planting trees, shrubs, and perennials. Before planting, the soil is tested to determine its quality, nutrient requirements and pH. These results are instructive on which fertilizers need to be added, at the same time giving the soil an opportunity to repair over winter for optimal growth during spring months. When it comes to planting, the best time is late September through mid-November. This gives you some time to inspect your yard and decide on places for new plantings. Don’t forget to take sun exposure and shades into account. Consult with a Lehigh professional landscaping contractor to find out which plants will grow the best in your landscape and where they will thrive.
Fertilize the New Plantings
Fertilizing during this period is crucial for the proper development of the plants. The roots continue to grow during winter and a fertilizer will provide the nutrients required. If you have had perennials planted, Lehigh can add help to protect these plantings by adding a layer of mulch before the winter starts. This insulates them from the cold and provides you with peace of mind that they will be healthy come next spring.
Tree Inspection and Disease Prevention
The best way to prevent plant disease is to have fall debris removed from your landscape. Leaving dried leaves and other organic materials that will rot on your lawn over winter creates a breeding ground for fungi and mold. Aside from this, a tree inspection can help to diagnose and treat tree diseases in their early stages.
Trees with cracked or damaged limbs are a major hazard, especially in winter when the weather may dislodge them. A proper tree inspection during the fall months will reveal symptoms of tree diseases and infections and take steps necessary to reduce winter weather damage.
Related: Types of Tree Service to Help your NY Landscape Look its Best
Don’t Forget the Hardscape
As the weather gets colder, many homeowners forget about their hardscape elements as they spend more time inside. Just like your softscape, the walkways, driveways, and patio that surround your residence will require maintenance to protect them against winter weather conditions.
Related: How Irrigation Requirements for your Lagrangeville Landscape Change in Fall and Winter