Fall Landscaping Tips You Need to Know

IT’S FALL Y’ALL! And that means it’s time to get started on your autumn yard maintenance. When it comes to maintaining your landscape, it’s not a one size fits all. Each season will call for different care, so we’re here to help guide you on what those things are! Luckily, fall clean up is not as demanding as other seasons… unless you have lots of falling leaves. Let’s get into it —

RAKE YOUR LEAVES. BUT KEEP IT SUSTAINABLE

Raking leaves may be the most common autumn chore, unless you’re lucky and don’t have many large, mature trees around you! But if you’re like us, you’ve got a legit raking job on your hands that calls for your attention multiple times a week. Get those rakes out, folks!

We do, however, have a raking tip for you! Did you know that you can recycle and reuse your old raked leaves as complimentary mulch to protect your winter garden? YES, yes you can. And here’s how!

Rake those leaves in a pretty pile.
Use a leaf shredder to grind up the leaves to smaller bits in order to achieve more fluid and quick decomposition.
Place down your new mulch about 3 inches deep around your plants, leaving space at the base (you don’t want to suffocate them!)

GET YOUR LAWN AERATED

Here at GPL, we highly recommend paying for a yearly lawn aeration. Good news, we can provide that service! What is lawn aeration anyway?

Aeration is a lawn maintenance service that takes place approximately one week prior to fertilizing. Aeration is beneficial, but not a necessity. Having the lawn aerated allows for soil oxygenation and fertilizer penetration, therefore giving better, overall results. For our current clients we offered aeration services back in the spring.

However, if you’d like for us to service your lawn, reach out and we’ll see what we can do!

MOW THAT LAWN

You won’t be needing to mow your lawn much after this season passes. So, make sure to do it a couple more times to promote lawn health and deter any rodents and diseases that may be at bay. While you’re at it, give your mower some TLC and give it a good clean and oil change. You’ll thank yourself when you pick it back up again in the spring!

BRING HOUSEPLANTS BACK INSIDE

It is indeed time to bring your houseplants back indoors. As much as they thrived outside in your patios and outdoor dining tables, they will not be able to tolerate the winter weather! Most likely they have grown quite a bit through the summer time and have also gotten a bit dirty from being outdoors. Here are some tips for fall houseplant maintenance:

Since your plants have most likely grown significantly over summer, they may need a good repot. Check to see if roots are coming out of the bottom and repot them into a pot that is 2 inches larger than their last. They will be so happy for the extra wiggle room!
Give their leaves a good wipe down. Naturally, being outside creates extra buildup on leaves than when they are indoors. Go ahead and grab a damp towel and wipe them down to promote healthy photosynthesis.
Find a new home for it inside that delivers the right light your plant will need. Adjusting to new spaces can take a toll on your plants, so decrease the pain by researching what kind of light and overall environment your plant will need to thrive indoors. They will thank you!

CLEAN YOUR YARD TOOLS TO PREP THEM FOR HIBERNATION

Just like the mower, you will thank yourself come spring time if you give your yard tools a good deep cleaning. This will allow your tools to last longer, to resist rusting, and function at their best when you need them most! Once you’ve got them all clean, store them in a shed, garage, or storage unit to keep them safe from winter weather. Happy hibernation to your tools!