Seasonal Tips for the Fall

As fall begins to set in with the onset of cooler weather, there are a few important landscape tips to keep in mind. Despite that plant growth is starting to slow and leaves are starting to fall, this season marks an integral period of planning and preparation for next spring. CampusCare® suggests considering the following tips to ensure optimal conditions in the spring.

Aeration and Lawn Renovation

Aeration allows air, water, and nutrients to better reach the roots in your lawn areas by alleviating some compaction and reducing the thatch layer. This stimulates new growth, improves drainage, and promotes a better environment for other lawn renovation tactics, such as overseeding and fertilization.

Fall is an ideal time for overseeding and lawn renovation as the cool nights and warm days are best for growing turf. There is also little to no weed competition during the fall, and since annual weeds are dying back, new turf has a better chance to develop and “out compete” future weeds.

Spring Color Starts Now

In order to have spring color, bulbs have to be planted in the fall. Planting in the fall allows bulbs to establish a root system before winter sets in, which is the only way to guarantee successful blooming in the spring.

Dormant Pruning and Woodlot Management

Fall is the appropriate time to schedule winter tree work, such as woodlot management and dormant pruning. These tactics will improve and maintain the overall health of the tree by minimizing disease threat and encouraging proper development. Furthermore, but ensuring trees are properly pruned at this time, liability in winter months is minimized. When trees are not properly pruned, heavy winters can cause them to pose serious issues to facilities, automobiles, and persons in their vicinity.

Winter, the dormant season, is a good time for this tree work as the plant will heal faster, there is less risk of disease, foliage has fallen, making pruning more efficient. Pruning during the dormant season will also encourage a growth response in the spring.

Anti Desiccant Applications

Fall is also the time to coat your plants with a layer of anti-desiccant spray, which will help them to better survive the winter months. During the winter, plants lose moisture from their leaves and needles due to harsh weather, which can result in leaves that are brown and falling, and permanent damage to the tree. By spraying with an anti-desiccant in the fall, you will safeguard your plants from this trauma.

If you adhere to the above recommendations and take action now, you will afford yourself a less worrisome winter and be in a better position to start next spring! If you would like more information on these proper landscape maintenance practices please contact CampusCare® at 508-668-7490, (toll free) 866-543-4333 or sales@campuscare.com.