Ahhhh the autumn air. Leaves are falling, and mowers are making their final runs. Everything is quieting down. But below the surface, your lawn is taking advantage of the warm days and cool nights to regenerate and get ready for winter. You can help by winterizing your lawn and garden. But what exactly does winterizing mean, and what are the benefits? In a nutshell, winterizing your lawn means using the fall cooling period to prep your property, equipment, and plants for winter.
What Can I Do In Fall to Help My Lawn Get Through the Winter?
These beautiful autumn days create the perfect window to get your lawn and equipment ready for spring. Here are a few tips to keep in mind as leaves fall and temperatures drop:
- Keep removing leaves and debris and rake to eliminate layers of dead thatch as we move into winter.
- Disconnect and put away garden hoses.
- Put away mowers, weed whackers, chainsaws, and other warm-weather equipment. Experts recommend using up or draining gasoline from power equipment for storage.
- Make sure snow blowers, plows, and other winter tools are ready to go.
- Remember, as you’re shoveling driveways and walkways, don’t remove snow from your lawn. It offers protection from the elements and provides insulation and moisture.
How Can I Winterize My Plants and Shrubs?
Our decorative plants and shrubs bring us so much joy all spring and summer. Many of us put a lot of time, care and money into choosing and caring for these natural beauties. Shrubs and perennials are building up their roots in the fall. So keeping them healthy and safe during the colder months is a priority. Here are some steps you can take this fall to protect plants and shrubs this winter.
- Mulch: Fall is a perfect time to mulch. It keeps moisture in during the dry months and prevents soil erosion.
- Keep watering religiously before the ground freezes. Hydrate those plants and shrubs well, especially on dry, windy days.
- Protect young and delicate perennials and shrubs. The classic burlap wrap offers excellent protection for not-so-hardy shrubs and trees. You can protect fragile perennials with a bell-shaped cloche cover. And remember, just like with your lawn, snow cover protects those plants and shrubs from the elements.
- Ask your landscaper about desiccants, protective sprays that can help keep your shrubs and evergreens from losing moisture over the winter.
Can I Still Plant for Winter Color?
There’s still time to plant cold-hardy annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees for festive winter color and greenery. Some of our favorites include:
- Ornamental cabbage, kale, and pansies.
- Colorful perennials like heathers and Christmas roses.
- Stunning shrubs, including holly and witch hazel.
Late fall is also a perfect time to plant some types of trees, and you don’t have to worry about the extreme heat and watering that comes with spring and summer planting. Talk with your landscaper about which species thrive with winter planting.
Now is the Time to Winterize Your Lawn
At Epling Landscaping and Lawn Services, our expertise goes way beyond keeping things neat and tidy during the crazy growing season. We’re also experts at taking advantage of the quiet months to boost future growth. The fall landscaping season is a perfect time to take care of these essential preparatory tasks. And using a pro is the way to go. A qualified landscaping company has the know-how and professional equipment to get your landscape ready for winter. Winterizing your outdoor spaces means protecting and nourishing during the cold months. Fall and winter can be a time to rest, regenerate, and renew. Epling’s experienced landscaping team can help you execute a plan for the best-ever growing season next year.
