Posts Tagged yard care
Essential Fall Clean-Up Tips for a Healthy Landscape
As the vibrant colors of autumn leaves begin to fade, October signals a crucial time for landscape maintenance. A thorough fall clean-up not only keeps your property looking tidy but also protects your plants and soil through the winter months. By tackling a few key tasks now, you set the stage for a healthier, more beautiful landscape come spring.
1. Remove Fallen Leaves Regularly
While a scattering of leaves can add seasonal charm, letting them accumulate on your lawn and garden beds can cause problems. Thick layers of leaves block sunlight, trap moisture, and can suffocate grass, leading to dead patches and increased disease risk. Rake or mulch leaves regularly throughout October. Shredded leaves can be composted or used as garden mulch, adding valuable organic matter to your soil.
2. Cut Back Perennials and Clean Up Beds
Once perennials have finished blooming and their foliage has died back, it’s time to cut them down to a few inches above the ground. Removing dead stems and leaves helps prevent pests and diseases from overwintering in your garden. Be sure to clean out annuals that have completed their life cycle and pull any lingering weeds from beds and borders.
3. Prune Trees and Shrubs
October is a good time to remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches from trees and shrubs. Pruning improves air circulation and helps prevent winter breakage from snow and ice. However, avoid heavy pruning, which can stimulate new growth that won’t have time to harden off before freezing weather arrives. Save major shaping for late winter or early spring.
4. Refresh Mulch and Protect Roots
A fresh layer of mulch insulates plant roots against temperature swings and helps retain soil moisture through the winter. Apply two to three inches of mulch around trees, shrubs, and garden beds, keeping it a few inches away from trunks and stems to prevent rot. Mulching also suppresses winter weeds and gives your landscape a neat, finished look.
5. Prepare Your Lawn and Equipment
Continue mowing your lawn as needed until growth stops, gradually lowering the blade for the final cut to about two inches. This helps prevent snow mold and keeps grass healthy. Clean and service your lawn mower and gardening tools before storing them for winter—sharpen blades, change oil, and drain fuel to ensure a smooth start next spring.
6. Plan Ahead for Spring
Take notes on what worked well in your landscape this year and what you’d like to improve. October is also the time to plant spring-blooming bulbs and cool-season annuals for next year’s color (see our next blog for more details).
Let DK Landscaping Handle the Heavy Lifting
A comprehensive fall clean-up is one of the best investments you can make for your property’s health and curb appeal. If you’d rather spend your weekends enjoying the season, DK Landscaping offers complete fall clean-up services—so you can relax, knowing your landscape is ready for winter and primed for spring success.
Late Summer Lawn Care: How to Keep Your Grass Green Through the Heat
August brings some of the hottest, driest days of the year, and your lawn feels it. Even the healthiest grass can struggle under the intense sun, high temperatures, and unpredictable rainfall. But with a few strategic adjustments to your lawn care routine, you can maintain a lush, green yard through late summer and set the stage for a strong fall recovery. Here’s how to keep your lawn looking its best as summer peaks.
1. Water Deeply, Not Daily
It’s tempting to give your lawn a quick sprinkle every day, but shallow watering encourages weak roots and leaves grass vulnerable to drought and disease. Instead, water deeply and less frequently—aim for about one inch of water per week, delivered in one or two sessions. Early morning is the best time to water, as it minimizes evaporation and allows the grass to dry before evening, reducing the risk of fungal issues.
If you notice water running off or pooling, slow down the watering session or break it into intervals to allow the soil to absorb moisture. Adjust your schedule based on rainfall, and consider using a rain gauge to track how much water your lawn receives naturally.
2. Raise Your Mower Blade
During the heat of August, set your mower blade higher than usual—about 3 to 3.5 inches is ideal for most grass types. Taller grass shades the soil, helping it retain moisture and protecting roots from the sun’s intensity. It also encourages deeper root growth, which is essential for drought resistance.
Always mow with sharp blades to avoid tearing the grass, which can lead to brown tips and increased susceptibility to disease. And remember the one-third rule: never remove more than one-third of the grass blade in a single mowing session.
3. Fertilize Lightly, If at All
While spring and fall are prime times for fertilizing, a light application of slow-release fertilizer in August can help your lawn recover from summer stress. Avoid heavy feeding, as excess fertilizer can burn grass and promote rapid, weak growth. Choose a product formulated for your specific grass type, and follow the label instructions carefully.
4. Control Weeds and Monitor for Pests
Weeds often thrive when lawns are stressed. August is a good time to spot-treat weeds with a targeted herbicide or pull them by hand. Keep an eye out for signs of pests, such as brown patches or chewed blades, and address problems promptly to prevent widespread damage.
5. Plan Ahead for Fall
Late summer is the perfect time to plan for fall overseeding, aeration, or dethatching if your lawn needs it. Mark your calendar and consult a professional if you’re unsure about timing or techniques.
Trust the Pros
Maintaining a green, healthy lawn through August’s heat can be challenging, but the right strategies make all the difference. If you need help with summer lawn care, DK Landscaping’s team offers tailored solutions to keep your yard looking its best—no matter the season.
