Embracing Autumn: Essential Fall Landscape Maintenance Tips
As the rustling leaves signal the arrival of fall, our gardens demand meticulous care to prepare for the winter ahead. Take a moment to delve into some expert insights from Mary Ann Phillips, Landscape Maintenance Specialist at Werbrich’s Landscaping, serving the greater Cincinnati area, as she guides us through some essential autumnal garden tasks.
General Maintenance: Prune, Deadhead, and Decide
In the realm of shrub pruning, timing is everything. Ensuring this is done by mid-September helps prevent frost damage to new growth, while also keeping your landscape orderly. For perennials, deadheading versus cutting back becomes a personal preference. Some gardeners might opt for a tidy appearance by cutting back, whereas others might favor prolonged color and foliage, or even leave seed heads and foliage for overwintering insects. The choice is yours. Moreover, don’t forget those ornamental grasses, which may add winter interest or may need a trim if heavy snow alters their appearance.
Packages for Serenity: Werbrich’s Landscaping Services
Werbrich’s Landscaping does indeed offer fall maintenance packages and services, tailoring to your garden’s unique needs through this transitional season. Do not hesitate to reach out and explore your options. You can download a brochure here. Trees and Shrubs: Preparing for a Cozy Winter Pruning in fall, particularly for young or newly planted trees, should involve proactive protection from deer. As male deer enter the “rutting season,” deer fencing becomes crucial to safeguarding the vulnerable bark from potential damage.
Flower Beds: Nestling Perennials for the Cold
Ensuring perennials are adequately prepared, considering mulching, and determining which plants to divide or transplant are pivotal fall activities. Offering an extra layer of mulch over the roots and maintaining vigilance against any root heaving during freezes can significantly benefit both trees and perennials when planted in fall.
Watering and Irrigation: Quenching with Care
As plants transition into dormancy, a reduction in watering schedules typically follows, although exceptions exist notably for evergreens and new plantings. While the slowing of photosynthesis during winter implies less frequent need for irrigation, it becomes paramount, especially during dry spells. Should a month of winter witness little to no precipitation, it’s imperative to water root zones to ensure they obtain the necessary hydration. This is particularly vital for fresh plantings or containerized evergreens, which continue to photosynthesize, albeit at a reduced rate, and therefore require consistent moisture to sustain themselves.
