| With fall fast approaching, it's that time of year when | | | | type of product to use. When in doubt, a good all |
| we begin cleaning up our yards and preparing for the | | | | purpose fertilizer is usually fine. |
| upcoming winter. To make fall cleanup work as fast | | | | The last area that will require some fall attention is |
| and easy as possible, it can be helpful to break the | | | | your garden and planting areas. Your work here will |
| work down into the different areas of your yard. | | | | vary depending on what types of plants you're |
| The areas that most commonly need attention are | | | | working with. In the case of annuals, especially annual |
| trees and shrubs, the lawn, and vegetable or flower | | | | vegetable plants, it's best to remove the plants |
| gardens. | | | | entirely at the end of the growing season. Some |
| Trees and shrubs often need to be trimmed back in | | | | vegetables like tomatoes and potatoes, if left to rot |
| the fall, though this will vary, depending on the type | | | | in the cool fall weather, can transmit fungal diseases |
| of plant. If you're unsure when to trim your trees or | | | | into the soil. These pests and fungi are often times |
| bushes, consult a gardening book or online resource. | | | | capable of overwintering in the dirt, and can then |
| When doing any kind of trimming or pruning, basic | | | | cause problems with next year's crops. Once annual |
| safety precautions are of primary importance. If your | | | | plants are removed, now is a good time to till the soil |
| trees are taller than 10 or 15 feet, it's best not to | | | | and add any fertilizers such as organic matter or |
| take the risk of doing the job yourself. Look for a | | | | other soil amendments. Finish the area off by adding |
| qualified arborist who can do the work for you, and | | | | a thick layer of mulch. |
| be sure to check out some references before hiring | | | | If the planting area in question is full of perennial |
| anyone to do the work. This can also be a good time | | | | plants, you'll probably want to consult a gardening |
| to remove any old or dying trees, as well. | | | | book or website to see what maintenance, if any, is |
| Lawns will need several kinds of care during the fall | | | | required. With most perennials, it's best to leave the |
| months. First, you'll want to rake up all the fallen | | | | plants alone and let them die back naturally during the |
| leaves and any other debris from shrub and tree | | | | winter months. It is a good idea to apply a thick layer |
| trimming. There are many types of leaf bagging | | | | of mulch around the base of each plant, too. In the |
| devices on the market today that can make this job | | | | spring, the dry, dead foliage will be easy to remove, |
| easier, such as leaf bag holders or special tarps | | | | making way for renewed growth. |
| designed to collect leaves and other debris while you | | | | Fall yard cleanup does require some work on your |
| are raking. Once all the leaves are removed, it's | | | | part, but nothing too difficult. With the basic steps |
| important to do one final mowing of the grass at the | | | | we've outlined above, you will be rewarded by a |
| end of the year. Last but not least, a fall lawn | | | | yard, lawn, and garden that will look better than ever |
| application is also a good idea. Visit your local garden | | | | next spring. |
| center or nursery for a recommendation of what | | | | |