What is important about October?
Cooler weather is here but there is still plenty of work that needs to be done. Most of us lose focus on the yard and landscape once temperatures drop. Halloween becomes the focus for families and decorated yards will soon be on every block. The fall foliage is amazing this time of year and the colors can be breathtaking. As the leaves fall we are all tasked with racking, blowing, and bagging leaves on a regular basis. What should you do with the leaves once they fall? Mulching the leaves in the yard is a great and easy way to clean up the yard and create an organic fertilizer on your lawn. Large amounts of leaves cannot be mulched at one time, although a weekly mowing will be suitable for most lawns. Another option can be to compost the fallen leaves. Creating a compost bin can be beneficial for future projects, spring flower beds, and lawn fertilizing. Many people bag the leaves and put them at the road for pickup to minimize work and cost. As a business, we offer a wide range of fall services. We offer compost bins for the ‘do it yourselfers’ as well as complete leaf removal. We recommend mulching the leaves on a regular basis to create a low cost fertilizing for your lawn. When leaves completely cover grass, sunlight is minimized and could harm the grass. Spring fungal disease could also become an issue.
What else can you do in October?
It is prime time to plant spring-flowering bulbs. Look for a bare space in your mulch beds or a place that could use a little more spring color. Some bulbs can bloom as early as January, providing color in your yard year around! If you still have perennials to plant, do so as soon as possible. Soak the roots well to ensure they become established before a hard freeze. The last mowing should be cut shorter, 2 inches on average. Add lime this month as well, before the ground freezes. Only add lime if a soil test indicates the soil is alkaline. Trimming shrubs this late is not an ideal time. Seed and Fertilize as soon as possible. Choose the correct fertilizer to correct your soil. Also, choose the correct seed to enhance the look and lower future seeding. Thin out overly dense branches in trees
Beautiful Colors
What trees provide the best fall foliage? Maples are a favorite for most. Dogwoods, Serviceberry Sweetgum, Blackgum, Birch, and Oak trees provide amazing colors throughout the fall.
Fun Facts
- There are 8 different maple trees that will provide different fall colors.
- There are over 20 different spring blooming bulbs.
- Only female hollies produce fruits.
Don’t forget to look up! Check your gutters
Clogged gutters can create multiple problems for your home. Consider having them checked and cleaned multiple times before all the leaves fall. We highly recommend having gutter guards installed. We offer multiple options and colors. Don’t spend a thousand dollars on this simple installation. They can pay for themselves in as little as 3 years!
Save Your Seeds!
Save money and fill your gardens with your own seed heads. Find mature, brown seed heads from your favorite perennials. Let them air dry and store them in a dark place until you are ready to plant them!
What to look out for
- Deer will be on the lookout for new and tender plants, flowers, and shrubs.
- Lady bugs will seek cover for the winter.
- Stink bugs attempt to get inside.
- Storms will snap over dense branches.
