Winter is coming, but you might have some final landscaping tasks that you should get done as we enter the colder months.Common questions often arise, like – is it okay to plant in the fall? Is it better to wait? Many homeowners ask themselves these questions, and we can help answer them for you. You are already one step ahead by doing your research of your local tree service company so you do not put time and energy into things that will not make it through the season.
Learn about planting in the fall, landscaping do’s, and landscaping don’ts as you prepare for the cold season:
Planting in the Fall
Many homeowners wonder if they can expand their gardens and landscaping by planting in the fall. Is it a good idea? Can you plant in the fall?
The answer is yes! Fall can actually be a great time to plant.
The weather is not as warm and the soil has a great environment to encourage growth. The key is making sure you plant a little over five weeks before the season’s first major frost hits. So, if you are planting food, check the harvest schedule to see how long it will take to root, and if it will be before your area is set to get their first hard frost.
For plants, you will want to do something similar. Look to see how long it will take to grow and do the math. This is something a local tree and landscaping company can assist with to ensure you are choosing the right plants, flowers, food, trees, and more. Fall-planted bulbs and corms are some of the best items you can plant in the fall.
Landscaping Dos
To aid in planting and to help your lawn prepare for the winter, you will need to aerate it. This is the process of pulling 2-3″ plugs out of the turf grass areas increasing oxygen, moisture, and nutrients, while also reducing the thatch layer. We recommend aerations be completed at least once annually.
Fall is also time to blow out your sprinklers once you know you will no longer be watering your lawn for the season. As the temperatures get cooler, and depending on rain in the area, your grass will not need as much water as it did in the summer. However, continue to water lawns and landscaping until late fall. Be sure to review additional fall watering and winterization tips for your Denver landscaping for fall to ensure you know how to care for your space. During dry periods be sure to check your landscaping and turf areas for dryness. Spider mites enjoy our warm dry periods over the winter months and can cause severe damage to turf areas. Our drying winter winds can lead to tree, shrub, and turfgrass desiccation.
Landscaping Don’ts
The biggest landscaping “don’t” is not doing your research before making a decision to plant. You need to know what conditions the plant needs and set a timeline. While many trees, plants, shrubs, etc., can be planted in the fall, it might not be a great idea for some.
If you are unsure or have concerns, talk to a professional landscaping company you can trust. For your lawn, many continue to mow on the same setting as they did in the summer. Instead, you will need to mow your lawn with a higher blade setting. This will allow the ground to keep in more moisture.
For all of your fall planting needs, American Arbor Care can help. Our team of certified and professional arborists will help you invest your dollars in the right areas. Contact us today at 303-639-8584 to discuss your fall planting plans.