As the warm weather abruptly comes to an end in Camas, Washougal, and Vancouver, Washington, the leaves fall day by day, and your landscape will have to overcome new challenges. Fall cleanups are not just about fixing all the things you didn’t get done over the busy summer, it’s about setting the stage for an easy winter and spring preparation. In this post, we will offer you a few tips and tricks for dealing with the sometimes-overwhelming aspects of this season, and how to approach a well-rounded fall yard cleanup and maintenance.
Leaf Removal
With fall comes leaves, and even though those leaves might bring a nostalgia at first, it’s crucial to put them in check as soon as possible. Removing leaves from your lawn results in your lawn being able to breathe and receive sunlight, which is near impossible while being smothered by leaf litter. Keep in mind that you can use these same leaves to create a compost to enrich your soil.
Lawn Aeration
Aeration pokes small holes into your lawn in order to alleviate soil compaction and allows for better water and nutrient absorption. Fall is the perfect time for aeration because it provides the aerator machine with soft soil, allowing for deeper penetration. Aerating allows for grassroots to grow deeper and strengthens the overall health of your lawn.
Overseeding
If you’re looking to fill in bare spots or increase lawn density, then you should plan on overseeding your lawn this fall. Find a high-quality grass seed blend that best fits your region and provides good seed to soil contact to ensure optimal germination. This process will help your lawn withstand winter stress and emerge lush in the spring.
Garden Cleanup
Moving on to flowerbeds and garden spaces, be sure to clear out any dead or dying annuals and trim back any perennials that are done blooming. Also remove any dead or diseased plant material that may spread pathogens. This process will not only help maintain a tidy and neat area but will also reduce risk of pests and disease.
Tree And Shrub Care
Every fall you should address the health of your trees and shrubs. Trimming away dead or damaged branches and thinning out congested areas will improve air circulation. Mulching around trees will help to retain moisture and insulate the soil. If major trimming or pruning is required, it is best to wait until trees and shrubs have gone dormant for the year to avoid shocking the plant.
Gutter Maintenance
Cleaning out gutters and downspouts will prevent clogging or damage from earthy materials. When leaves and debris accumulate, they can create clusters, causing flooding and damages to the home’s foundation. Proper drainage is crucial for gutters during the fall rain. If you don’t want to get up there with your hand and a bucket, you can look into pressure washing options.
Committing to your fall lawn cleanup and maintenance isn’t just about preparing for winter and spring, it’s about the investment towards the health and longevity of your outdoor space, guaranteeing its beauty for years to come. By following these tips, you’ll nurture a resilient landscape that withstands the challenges of the colder months and emerges vibrant and ready for the joys of spring. We’ve only scratched the surface of what can be done to ensure your outdoor spaces are healthy, but if you follow the above tips, you will be well on your way to nurturing a healthy landscape. If you’d like assistance with any or all of your landscape needs, contact us today or complete a FREE estimate request now.