Transitioning your Landscape from Summer to Fall

As late summer ushers in the anticipation of fall, it’s the perfect time to start preparing your landscape for the cooler months ahead. While the days are still long and warm, tackling a few key projects now can help ensure your garden remains vibrant and healthy as the seasons change. Here’s a guide to late summer landscape projects that will set your outdoor space up for fall success.

Rejuvenate Your Lawn

Late summer is an ideal time to give your lawn a little extra attention. Here’s what you can do:

Aerate and Seed: Aerate your lawn to relieve soil compaction and enhance the effectiveness of seeding. This process improves water and nutrient absorption, promoting healthy growth. Choose a cool-season grass seed to lay down now, ensuring it has time to establish before winter.
Fertilize: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to provide essential nutrients that will support your lawn through the cooler months. Look for a product high in potassium to strengthen grass against cold weather.
Water Wisely: Adjust your watering schedule as temperatures start to drop. Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and allow the soil to dry out before evening to prevent disease.

Prune and Trim

Late summer is a great time for pruning and trimming, but be mindful of the types of plants you’re working with:

Prune Dead or Diseased Wood: Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches from trees and shrubs. This helps prevent the spread of disease and encourages healthy growth.
Shape and Thin: For plants that have outgrown their space or become unruly, light pruning can improve their shape and air circulation. Avoid heavy pruning of spring-blooming shrubs, as it can affect next year’s blooms.

Plan and Plant Fall-Winter Blooms

Prepare your garden for a splash of color in the fall and winter:

Fall-Flowering Plants: Consider planting varieties like asters, chrysanthemums, and sedums that will bring vibrant hues to your garden as summer fades. These plants are hardy and can withstand cooler temperatures.
Winter Interest: Add plants with winter appeal such as evergreen shrubs, ornamental grasses, and holly. These will provide structure and visual interest through the colder months.

Clean and Mulch

Now is the time to clean up and prep your garden beds:

Remove Debris: Clear fallen leaves, old plant stems, and other debris from your garden beds. This helps reduce pests and diseases that could overwinter in the debris.
Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around your plants to insulate the soil, retain moisture, and prevent weed growth. Organic mulches like wood chips or straw will also break down over time, enriching the soil.

By addressing these late summer landscape projects, you’ll not only enhance the beauty of your garden but also set the stage for a smooth transition into fall

Happy Gardening!