With fall in full swing here in Camas, Washougal and Vancouver, Washington, we’ve already been experiencing all of the extremes that this time of year has to offer. Contrary to some beliefs on landscaping, fall is not an ideal time to slow your landscaping efforts. The growth and spread of weeds resume in full effect as soon as summer ends, not to mention the incredible abundance of leaf fall. At Urban Eden Landscaping, we pride ourselves on not only providing exceptional services, but providing a wealth of lawn care and landscaping knowledge as well. So, we thought it best to provide a quick checklist to review when tending to your fall lawn maintenance.
Essential Maintenance Item Checklist
Lawn Mowing
After the heat and relative dryness of summer passes and the cooler weather and rain returns, our lawns begin to grow again with even more vigor. It is important to stay on a consistent mowing schedule during this time of year, otherwise our lawns will become overgrown quite quickly.
Weeding
During the summer months, weed growth tends to slow (it never really stops), but with fall comes the emergence of new weed growth. It is important to stay on top of removing weeds as regularly as possible, especially during this time of year as they spread incredibly quickly just like, well, weeds. Urban Eden strives to achieve a weed free landscape organically, so you’ll never have to worry about harmful chemicals.
Trimming/Pruning
Trimming and pruning (read our article about the difference between the two) should be performed during the latter part of fall and into winter. These tasks not only ensure that health of the plant but also the aesthetic. The growth of trees and shrubs generally slows this time of year and cutting during this time will result in less stress and shock to the plant.
Clean Up
Stormy weather, rains, and wind bring an abundance of debris and leaf fall to our landscapes during this part of the year. This is especially true if our outdoor spaces have been left unchecked during the rest of the year. Removing this debris from our lawns is important to keep them healthy and to avoid potentially costly repairs to our lawns.
Pressure Washing
Another task to consider in fall is pressure washing. Cleaning off hardscapes, like decks, patios, and driveways, not only improves the look of these areas but also ensures that they are safe for friends and family. The amount of dirt and grime that accumulates on your hardscape may seem inconsequential until you see the end result of a professional power washing.
Other Maintenance Tasks To Consider
Mulching
Stay ahead of the growth and spread of weeds by mulching all of your flower and garden beds. Adding mulch or bark dust inhibits the growth of weed by blocking oxygen and light from reaching these unwanted plants. But that is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to adding mulch to your landscape!
Dethatching/Aerating/Overseeding
Dethatching and aerating are a couple of important tasks we always urge property owners to consider. If you like having a lush and healthy lawn, then aerating and dethatching are essential. By performing these tasks, you will ensure your lawn is healthy throughout the year. Dethatching removes debris that builds up in your lawn, while aerating helps your lawn access essentials such as light, moisture, and nutrients. Of course, overseeding these areas is another important task. Overseeding helps to fill in patchy areas of your lawn, which will increase the density of grass blades.
Urban Eden Landscaping would love to help maintain your lawn year-round. Contact us today for a FREE estimate.