LANDSCAPE TIPS FOR EACH SEASON
COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT - SERVICING MARYLAND, DC, AND VIRGINIA
Landscape Services for Each Season
Lancaster Landscapes offers the following management services for communities and their landscaping needs. Consider booking these services or requesting an estimate before the height of the season.
WINTER
Snow Removal, pruning of ornamental grasses/trees and bushes/shrubs, leaf removal, winterization of irrigation system, emergency tree work, rejuvenational shrub pruning, street sweeping, trash and litter removal, vine maintenance, tree work
SUMMER
JUNE - JULY - AUGUST
Soil testing, turf care, organic turf care, mowing, edging, trimming, tree services, IPM, potted florals, street sweeping, trash and litter removal, hand watering, playground maintenance, vine maintenance, tree work
SPRING
MARCH - APRIL - MAY
Spring cleanup, spot mowing, trimming, edging, mulching, pruning, flower rotations, turf care, organic turf care, irrigation start up, aeration and overseeding, weeding, IPM, street sweeping, trash and litter removal, bed maintenance, playground maintenance, landscape enhancements, vine maintenance, tree work
AUTUMN
SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER - NOVEMBER
Leaf removal, aeration and overseeding, weeding, turf care, organic turf care, IPM, flower rotations, street sweeping, trash and litter removal, bed maintenance, mowing, edging, trimming, mulch touch-up, playground maintenance, landscape enhancements, vine maintenance, tree work
Lawn and Garden Care Tips for Spring
As the world awakens from the slumber of winter and bursts into vibrant greens, it's the perfect time to give your yard the attention it deserves and prepare your lawn and garden for the growing season ahead.
ASSESS THE TREES
Look up and assess the trees. Make note of tree limbs that should be supported or removed, especially those that overhang structures. Hire an arborist to maintain large trees.
ASSESS THE MID-LEVEL
Assess the mid-level. Cut down last year’s perennial foliage and toss it into the compost pile. Trim and prune shrub overgrowth and use a mulching kit or shredder to turn it into mulch.
ASSESS THE GROUND LEVEL
Assess the ground plane. Rake mulch from flower beds planted with bulbs, corms and tubers before foliage appears, and refresh mulch in other planting areas after the soil warms.
INSPECT THE HARDSCAPES
Check and repair retaining walls, edging, steps, and pathways for damage and cracks caused by freezing and thawing. Seal any gaps with crack filler and secure loosened pavers, tiles, or stones.
INSPECT FENCES AND ENTRYWAYS
Inspect posts, broken wood boards, and rusted and decayed wire fencing. Make sure that there are no gaps for wildlife to get in. Check and replace gate hardware. Paint, stain, or whitewash fencing if necessary.
INSPECT DRAINAGE SYSTEMS
Monitor for standing water when the snow melts. Maintain proper grading of your soil to keep water away from your yard. Inspect spouts and gutters and clean out any clogging.
INSPECT IRRIGATION SYSTEMS
Give a quick visual inspection of your irrigation valves, pipes, and filters. Flush and unclog sprinkler heads. Clean out filters that have collected build-up from the dormant months. Check the irrigation controls and backflow preventer.
TUNE UP GARDEN TOOLS
Pruning shears and bypass pruners benefit from sharpening. Wooden handles benefit from being sanded and coated with linseed oil. Note what is missing and order essential garden tools for the new growing season.
TUNE UP GARDEN MACHINES
Send the mower, edge trimmer, thatcher, and leaf blower for servicing or if you have the right tools, sharpen the blades yourself. Refill your machine with oil, replace worn-down parts, and apply oil to moving parts if necessary.
TRIM THE TREES
If dead branches are left untended, they can fall, causing property damage and injury. Consider hiring a tree trimmer to do a ‘safety prune’ once every 3 years – ideally before the leaves come out.
SPRING CLEANUP
Start a thorough cleanup of your yard is how you should begin preparing your landscape. Pick up debris, twigs, and branches and that has made its way into your yard.
BLOW THE LEAVES
Use a leaf blower instead of rake to remove debris without damaging the grass or disrupting the soil. It helps prevent the buildup of thatch for better air circulation to reduce the risk mold and diseases.
REFRESH MULCH
Remove your old mulch before applying new and make sure to cover the base of the plants. Choose the right mulch for the type of plant. Wait for new sprouts to come up to avoid covering them.
FERTILIZE AND REDUCE WEEDS
Early in spring, use the right kind of fertilizer to feed your grass, and pre-emergent herbicide used to prevent crabgrass. Then, 1 1/2 to 2 months later, apply both products again, along with a broadleaf weed killer.
SPOT MOWING
Selectively trim the overgrown patches or areas of grass and regions that have not reached the ideal height for regular mowing to maintain even lawn grass while avoiding damage to surrounding healthy grass.
STAY ON THE EDGE
Trim the edges of your grass to define the lines of your lawn. Trim edges carefully and be mindful of flower beds, trees, or fences. Take your time to get a clean edge without damaging your plants or fixtures.
SEED TWICE A YEAR & FERTILIZE
During fall, the daytime and nighttime hours are cooler with dew present, and the weeds are starting to die off. In addition to seeding, fertilize the lawn, and in a few weeks, new grass will grow and fill the bare patches.
PRUNE TO BLOOM
Latent pruning improves your bushes and trees’ health and removes dangerous limbs, and keeps their size, shape, and appearance under control, keeping up your curb appeal.
PINCH ANNUALS
Pinch annuals to encourage growth and more blooms. Use your fingers or pruning shears to remove the tips of the stems, typically just above a leaf node. This stimulates the plant to produce more lateral branches, resulting in a fuller and more compact appearance.
DIVIDE PERENNIALS
Dig out from the roots and cut established perennial plants into smaller sections and replant. This helps rejuvenate the plants, propagate new ones, and control their spread. Typically done every few years, dividing perennials is best performed in early spring.
DEADHEAD SPENT BLOOMS
Remove faded flowers from plants like marigolds, tulips, coneflowers, zinnias, and daisies to produce more blooms and prevent them from going to seed. It's commonly done with annuals and perennials to prolong their blooming period.
FILL IN GAPS
Plan the layout of your flower bed and choose new plants for any parts of the garden that feel bare. Order perennials, trees, and shrubs for spring planting. Nurseries are happy to special order varieties you’re after that they might not otherwise have in stock.
CREATE NEW PLANTING BEDS
Clear the planting area as soon as soil can be worked by removing sod or weeds and debris. Dig the soil to relieve compaction and continue turning to loosen it up. Lay down proper drainage underneath the topsoil with a layer of horticultural grit.
CONDITION PLANTING BEDS
Rake the soil smooth before planting. Add amendments like compost that will enrich and enliven the soil. Spread a 4-inch layer of compost or well-rotted manure and cultivate it to a depth of 10-12 inches with a spading fork.
PLANT FROM BARE ROOT
When planting trees and plants from bare roots, carefully untangle the roots and soak them in water for a few hours. Dig the planting hole as deep as the roots and much wider than necessary, then cover with amended soil. Plant on a cool and cloudy day.
PLANT BULBS
Dig the planting hole 2 - 3 times as deep when planting bulbs like tulips, daffodils, corms like gladiolus and ranunculus, and tubers like dahlias, begonias, and cyclamen. Soak them in water for a few hours, then plant them with the flat side down and the growing side up.
PLANT IN CONTAINERS
Start with a drainage layer at the bottom - wood for boxed containers, grit or gravel for pot containers. Use a potting mix or make your own potting soil from scratch with a mixture of organic materials and compost. Add mulch at the top.
PLANT COMPANION PLANTS
Plant pest repellent plants like nasturtiums, lavender, salvia, rosemary or marigolds. Plant them in a ring around the plants you want to protect. Plant bee balm, zinnia and petunias to attract beneficial birds and insects that prey on insect pests.
ATTRACT POLLINATORS
Plant annuals like alyssum, zinnias, sunflowers, and nectar-bearing plants to attract pollinators like birds, bees, and beneficial insects. Grow shrubs and ground covers as shelter for insects and set up nesting boxes on trees.
APPLY BALANCING FERTILIZER
Apply a balancing fertilizer (6-6-6 or 8-8-8) or fish emulsion around trees and shrubs. Begin fertilizing for perennials when active growth resumes and annuals before planting. Spread high-acid fertilizer and pine-needle mulch around plants that thrive in acidic soil.
LIME SOIL TO NEUTRALIZE ACIDITY
Spread garden lime and hardwood mulch around plants that thrive in neutral and alkaline soil like lavender, dianthus, geraniums, rosemary, and vegetables like beans and broccoli. Apply lime in the coolest part of the day, such as early morning or early evening.
ASSESS THE TREES
Look up and assess the trees. Make note of tree limbs that should be supported or removed, especially those that overhang structures. Hire an arborist to maintain large trees.
ASSESS THE MID-LEVEL
Assess the mid-level. Cut down last year’s perennial foliage and toss it into the compost pile. Trim and prune shrub overgrowth and use a mulching kit or shredder to turn it into mulch.
ASSESS THE GROUND LEVEL
Assess the ground plane. Rake mulch from flower beds planted with bulbs, corms and tubers before foliage appears, and refresh mulch in other planting areas after the soil warms.
INSPECT THE HARDSCAPES
Check and repair retaining walls, edging, steps, and pathways for damage and cracks caused by freezing and thawing. Seal any gaps with crack filler and secure loosened pavers, tiles, or stones.
INSPECT FENCES AND ENTRYWAYS
Inspect posts, broken wood boards, and rusted and decayed wire fencing. Make sure that there are no gaps for wildlife to get in. Check and replace gate hardware. Paint, stain, or whitewash fencing if necessary.
INSPECT DRAINAGE SYSTEMS
Monitor for standing water when the snow melts. Maintain proper grading of your soil to keep water away from your yard. Inspect spouts and gutters and clean out any clogging.
INSPECT IRRIGATION SYSTEMS
Give a quick visual inspection of your irrigation valves, pipes, and filters. Flush and unclog sprinkler heads. Clean out filters that have collected build-up from the dormant months. Check the irrigation controls and backflow preventer.
TUNE UP GARDEN TOOLS
Pruning shears and bypass pruners benefit from sharpening. Wooden handles benefit from being sanded and coated with linseed oil. Note what is missing and order essential garden tools for the new growing season.
TUNE UP GARDEN MACHINES
Send the mower, edge trimmer, thatcher, and leaf blower for servicing or if you have the right tools, sharpen the blades yourself. Refill your machine with oil, replace worn-down parts, and apply oil to moving parts if necessary.
TRIM THE TREES
If dead branches are left untended, they can fall, causing property damage and injury. Consider hiring a tree trimmer to do a ‘safety prune’ once every 3 years – ideally before the leaves come out.
SPRING CLEANUP
Start a thorough cleanup of your yard is how you should begin preparing your landscape. Pick up debris, twigs, and branches and that has made its way into your yard.
BLOW THE LEAVES
Use a leaf blower instead of rake to remove debris without damaging the grass or disrupting the soil. It helps prevent the buildup of thatch for better air circulation to reduce the risk mold and diseases.
REFRESH MULCH
Remove your old mulch before applying new and make sure to cover the base of the plants. Choose the right mulch for the type of plant. Wait for new sprouts to come up to avoid covering them.
FERTILIZE AND REDUCE WEEDS
Early in spring, use the right kind of fertilizer to feed your grass, and pre-emergent herbicide used to prevent crabgrass. Then, 1 1/2 to 2 months later, apply both products again, along with a broadleaf weed killer.
SPOT MOWING
Selectively trim the overgrown patches or areas of grass and regions that have not reached the ideal height for regular mowing to maintain even lawn grass while avoiding damage to surrounding healthy grass.
STAY ON THE EDGE
Trim the edges of your grass to define the lines of your lawn. Trim edges carefully and be mindful of flower beds, trees, or fences. Take your time to get a clean edge without damaging your plants or fixtures.
SEED TWICE A YEAR & FERTILIZE
During fall, the daytime and nighttime hours are cooler with dew present, and the weeds are starting to die off. In addition to seeding, fertilize the lawn, and in a few weeks, new grass will grow and fill the bare patches.
PRUNE TO BLOOM
Latent pruning improves your bushes and trees’ health and removes dangerous limbs, and keeps their size, shape, and appearance under control, keeping up your curb appeal.
PINCH ANNUALS
Pinch annuals to encourage growth and more blooms. Use your fingers or pruning shears to remove the tips of the stems, typically just above a leaf node. This stimulates the plant to produce more lateral branches, resulting in a fuller and more compact appearance.
DIVIDE PERENNIALS
Dig out from the roots and cut established perennial plants into smaller sections and replant. This helps rejuvenate the plants, propagate new ones, and control their spread. Typically done every few years, dividing perennials is best performed in early spring.
DEADHEAD SPENT BLOOMS
Remove faded flowers from plants like marigolds, tulips, coneflowers, zinnias, and daisies to produce more blooms and prevent them from going to seed. It's commonly done with annuals and perennials to prolong their blooming period.
FILL IN GAPS
Plan the layout of your flower bed and choose new plants for any parts of the garden that feel bare. Order perennials, trees, and shrubs for spring planting. Nurseries are happy to special order varieties you’re after that they might not otherwise have in stock.
CREATE NEW PLANTING BEDS
Clear the planting area as soon as soil can be worked by removing sod or weeds and debris. Dig the soil to relieve compaction and continue turning to loosen it up. Lay down proper drainage underneath the topsoil with a layer of horticultural grit.
CONDITION PLANTING BEDS
Rake the soil smooth before planting. Add amendments like compost that will enrich and enliven the soil. Spread a 4-inch layer of compost or well-rotted manure and cultivate it to a depth of 10-12 inches with a spading fork.
PLANT FROM BARE ROOT
When planting trees and plants from bare roots, carefully untangle the roots and soak them in water for a few hours. Dig the planting hole as deep as the roots and much wider than necessary, then cover with amended soil. Plant on a cool and cloudy day.
PLANT BULBS
Dig the planting hole 2 - 3 times as deep when planting bulbs like tulips, daffodils, corms like gladiolus and ranunculus, and tubers like dahlias, begonias, and cyclamen. Soak them in water for a few hours, then plant them with the flat side down and the growing side up.
PLANT IN CONTAINERS
Start with a drainage layer at the bottom - wood for boxed containers, grit or gravel for pot containers. Use a potting mix or make your own potting soil from scratch with a mixture of organic materials and compost. Add mulch at the top.
PLANT COMPANION PLANTS
Plant pest repellent plants like nasturtiums, lavender, salvia, rosemary or marigolds. Plant them in a ring around the plants you want to protect. Plant bee balm, zinnia and petunias to attract beneficial birds and insects that prey on insect pests.
ATTRACT POLLINATORS
Plant annuals like alyssum, zinnias, sunflowers, and nectar-bearing plants to attract pollinators like birds, bees, and beneficial insects. Grow shrubs and ground covers as shelter for insects and set up nesting boxes on trees.
APPLY BALANCING FERTILIZER
Apply a balancing fertilizer (6-6-6 or 8-8-8) or fish emulsion around trees and shrubs. Begin fertilizing for perennials when active growth resumes and annuals before planting. Spread high-acid fertilizer and pine-needle mulch around plants that thrive in acidic soil.
LIME SOIL TO NEUTRALIZE ACIDITY
Spread garden lime and hardwood mulch around plants that thrive in neutral and alkaline soil like lavender, dianthus, geraniums, rosemary, and vegetables like beans and broccoli. Apply lime in the coolest part of the day, such as early morning or early evening.
ASSESS THE TREES
Look up and assess the trees. Make note of tree limbs that should be supported or removed, especially those that overhang structures. Hire an arborist to maintain large trees.
ASSESS THE MID-LEVEL
Assess the mid-level. Cut down last year’s perennial foliage and toss it into the compost pile. Trim and prune shrub overgrowth and use a mulching kit or shredder to turn it into mulch.
ASSESS THE GROUND LEVEL
Assess the ground plane. Rake mulch from flower beds planted with bulbs, corms and tubers before foliage appears, and refresh mulch in other planting areas after the soil warms.
INSPECT THE HARDSCAPES
Check and repair retaining walls, edging, steps, and pathways for damage and cracks caused by freezing and thawing. Seal any gaps with crack filler and secure loosened pavers, tiles, or stones.
INSPECT FENCES AND ENTRYWAYS
Inspect posts, broken wood boards, and rusted and decayed wire fencing. Make sure that there are no gaps for wildlife to get in. Check and replace gate hardware. Paint, stain, or whitewash fencing if necessary.
INSPECT DRAINAGE SYSTEMS
Monitor for standing water when the snow melts. Maintain proper grading of your soil to keep water away from your yard. Inspect spouts and gutters and clean out any clogging.
INSPECT IRRIGATION SYSTEMS
Give a quick visual inspection of your irrigation valves, pipes, and filters. Flush and unclog sprinkler heads. Clean out filters that have collected build-up from the dormant months. Check the irrigation controls and backflow preventer.
TUNE UP GARDEN TOOLS
Pruning shears and bypass pruners benefit from sharpening. Wooden handles benefit from being sanded and coated with linseed oil. Note what is missing and order essential garden tools for the new growing season.
TUNE UP GARDEN MACHINES
Send the mower, edge trimmer, thatcher, and leaf blower for servicing or if you have the right tools, sharpen the blades yourself. Refill your machine with oil, replace worn-down parts, and apply oil to moving parts if necessary.
TRIM THE TREES
If dead branches are left untended, they can fall, causing property damage and injury. Consider hiring a tree trimmer to do a ‘safety prune’ once every 3 years – ideally before the leaves come out.
SPRING CLEANUP
Start a thorough cleanup of your yard is how you should begin preparing your landscape. Pick up debris, twigs, and branches and that has made its way into your yard.
BLOW THE LEAVES
Use a leaf blower instead of rake to remove debris without damaging the grass or disrupting the soil. It helps prevent the buildup of thatch for better air circulation to reduce the risk mold and diseases.
REFRESH MULCH
Remove your old mulch before applying new and make sure to cover the base of the plants. Choose the right mulch for the type of plant. Wait for new sprouts to come up to avoid covering them.
FERTILIZE AND REDUCE WEEDS
Early in spring, use the right kind of fertilizer to feed your grass, and pre-emergent herbicide used to prevent crabgrass. Then, 1 1/2 to 2 months later, apply both products again, along with a broadleaf weed killer.
SPOT MOWING
Selectively trim the overgrown patches or areas of grass and regions that have not reached the ideal height for regular mowing to maintain even lawn grass while avoiding damage to surrounding healthy grass.
STAY ON THE EDGE
Trim the edges of your grass to define the lines of your lawn. Trim edges carefully and be mindful of flower beds, trees, or fences. Take your time to get a clean edge without damaging your plants or fixtures.
SEED TWICE A YEAR & FERTILIZE
During fall, the daytime and nighttime hours are cooler with dew present, and the weeds are starting to die off. In addition to seeding, fertilize the lawn, and in a few weeks, new grass will grow and fill the bare patches.
PRUNE TO BLOOM
Latent pruning improves your bushes and trees’ health and removes dangerous limbs, and keeps their size, shape, and appearance under control, keeping up your curb appeal.
PINCH ANNUALS
Pinch annuals to encourage growth and more blooms. Use your fingers or pruning shears to remove the tips of the stems, typically just above a leaf node. This stimulates the plant to produce more lateral branches, resulting in a fuller and more compact appearance.
DIVIDE PERENNIALS
Dig out from the roots and cut established perennial plants into smaller sections and replant. This helps rejuvenate the plants, propagate new ones, and control their spread. Typically done every few years, dividing perennials is best performed in early spring.
DEADHEAD SPENT BLOOMS
Remove faded flowers from plants like marigolds, tulips, coneflowers, zinnias, and daisies to produce more blooms and prevent them from going to seed. It's commonly done with annuals and perennials to prolong their blooming period.
FILL IN GAPS
Plan the layout of your flower bed and choose new plants for any parts of the garden that feel bare. Order perennials, trees, and shrubs for spring planting. Nurseries are happy to special order varieties you’re after that they might not otherwise have in stock.
CREATE NEW PLANTING BEDS
Clear the planting area as soon as soil can be worked by removing sod or weeds and debris. Dig the soil to relieve compaction and continue turning to loosen it up. Lay down proper drainage underneath the topsoil with a layer of horticultural grit.
CONDITION PLANTING BEDS
Rake the soil smooth before planting. Add amendments like compost that will enrich and enliven the soil. Spread a 4-inch layer of compost or well-rotted manure and cultivate it to a depth of 10-12 inches with a spading fork.
PLANT FROM BARE ROOT
When planting trees and plants from bare roots, carefully untangle the roots and soak them in water for a few hours. Dig the planting hole as deep as the roots and much wider than necessary, then cover with amended soil. Plant on a cool and cloudy day.
PLANT BULBS
Dig the planting hole 2 - 3 times as deep when planting bulbs like tulips, daffodils, corms like gladiolus and ranunculus, and tubers like dahlias, begonias, and cyclamen. Soak them in water for a few hours, then plant them with the flat side down and the growing side up.
PLANT IN CONTAINERS
Start with a drainage layer at the bottom - wood for boxed containers, grit or gravel for pot containers. Use a potting mix or make your own potting soil from scratch with a mixture of organic materials and compost. Add mulch at the top.
PLANT COMPANION PLANTS
Plant pest repellent plants like nasturtiums, lavender, salvia, rosemary or marigolds. Plant them in a ring around the plants you want to protect. Plant bee balm, zinnia and petunias to attract beneficial birds and insects that prey on insect pests.
ATTRACT POLLINATORS
Plant annuals like alyssum, zinnias, sunflowers, and nectar-bearing plants to attract pollinators like birds, bees, and beneficial insects. Grow shrubs and ground covers as shelter for insects and set up nesting boxes on trees.
APPLY BALANCING FERTILIZER
Apply a balancing fertilizer (6-6-6 or 8-8-8) or fish emulsion around trees and shrubs. Begin fertilizing for perennials when active growth resumes and annuals before planting. Spread high-acid fertilizer and pine-needle mulch around plants that thrive in acidic soil.
LIME SOIL TO NEUTRALIZE ACIDITY
Spread garden lime and hardwood mulch around plants that thrive in neutral and alkaline soil like lavender, dianthus, geraniums, rosemary, and vegetables like beans and broccoli. Apply lime in the coolest part of the day, such as early morning or early evening.
Landscape and Garden Tips for Summer
The flowers started blooming, and your grass got greener and it is time to think about your yard in terms of it looking its best for the summer season.
TEST YOUR SOIL
Handling it early will help you make informed decisions about fertilizing and treating pH. But you will want to tackle this task now – sending in samples and waiting for results can take several days to weeks.
CONDITION YOUR SOIL
The results of the soil test will tell you about the nutrients in your soil and the soil’s pH balance. If it is acidic and you can spread lime now. If you have high alkaline, you can add elemental sulfur.
REMOVE WEEDS
Inspect your lawn for broadleaf and crabgrass weeds. Apply post-emergent herbicide or salt on the base of the weed. Wear gloves and pull weeds when the ground is wet, or use a garden hoe when the soil is dry.
START PLANTING
Pull out weeds from the root, then put some compost down and start to plant flowers. Plant low-maintenance perennial plants that will grow and bloom next year, and add mulch around the base.
ADJUST IRRIGATION
Ensure your irrigation system is functioning properly, adjust the timer frequency, and clean sprinkler heads as needed. Consider setting up drip irrigation for vegetable gardens.
PLAN FOR SHADE
Consider planting deciduous or evergreen trees or installing shade structures made of polyethylene mesh or bamboo to protect plants during the hottest months.
PEST CONTROL
More hours in a day means more hours of feeding for insect pests. Inspect plants and trees for pests and diseases and apply organic or chemical treatments as appropriate.
TEST YOUR SOIL
Handling it early will help you make informed decisions about fertilizing and treating pH. But you will want to tackle this task now – sending in samples and waiting for results can take several days to weeks.
CONDITION YOUR SOIL
The results of the soil test will tell you about the nutrients in your soil and the soil’s pH balance. If it is acidic and you can spread lime now. If you have high alkaline, you can add elemental sulfur.
REMOVE WEEDS
Inspect your lawn for broadleaf and crabgrass weeds. Apply post-emergent herbicide or salt on the base of the weed. Wear gloves and pull weeds when the ground is wet, or use a garden hoe when the soil is dry.
START PLANTING
Pull out weeds from the root, then put some compost down and start to plant flowers. Plant low-maintenance perennial plants that will grow and bloom next year, and add mulch around the base.
ADJUST IRRIGATION
Ensure your irrigation system is functioning properly, adjust the timer frequency, and clean sprinkler heads as needed. Consider setting up drip irrigation for vegetable gardens.
PLAN FOR SHADE
Consider planting deciduous or evergreen trees or installing shade structures made of polyethylene mesh or bamboo to protect plants during the hottest months.
PEST CONTROL
More hours in a day means more hours of feeding for insect pests. Inspect plants and trees for pests and diseases and apply organic or chemical treatments as appropriate.
TEST YOUR SOIL
Handling it early will help you make informed decisions about fertilizing and treating pH. But you will want to tackle this task now – sending in samples and waiting for results can take several days to weeks.
CONDITION YOUR SOIL
The results of the soil test will tell you about the nutrients in your soil and the soil’s pH balance. If it is acidic and you can spread lime now. If you have high alkaline, you can add elemental sulfur.
REMOVE WEEDS
Inspect your lawn for broadleaf and crabgrass weeds. Apply post-emergent herbicide or salt on the base of the weed. Wear gloves and pull weeds when the ground is wet, or use a garden hoe when the soil is dry.
START PLANTING
Pull out weeds from the root, then put some compost down and start to plant flowers. Plant low-maintenance perennial plants that will grow and bloom next year, and add mulch around the base.
ADJUST IRRIGATION
Ensure your irrigation system is functioning properly, adjust the timer frequency, and clean sprinkler heads as needed. Consider setting up drip irrigation for vegetable gardens.
PLAN FOR SHADE
Consider planting deciduous or evergreen trees or installing shade structures made of polyethylene mesh or bamboo to protect plants during the hottest months.
PEST CONTROL
More hours in a day means more hours of feeding for insect pests. Inspect plants and trees for pests and diseases and apply organic or chemical treatments as appropriate.
Landscape and Garden Tips for Autumn
The leaves are starting fall, and it's time to make sure that your lawn is strong and healthy throughout the dry autumn season and bear through the approaching winter season.
BLOW THE LEAVES
Keep your lawn clear of fallen leaves to prevent them from blocking sunlight and air from reaching the grass.
LAY DOWN STEPPING STONES
Consider adding stepping stones to access patios, sheds, and bins for the winter season.
KEEP WATERING
Make sure to water the lawn as needed, especially during dry periods, to help the grass stay healthy.
OVERSEED THE LAWN
Fill in bare patches and improve the density of the grass by overseeding in the fall.
MOW LOW
Mow the lawn with the blade on its lowest setting to help the sun reach the crown of the grass.
FEED THE GRASS
Most grass is ‘cool season’ grass for the DMV area and would benefit from a mixed fertilizer like 13-25-12.
REMOVE DIEBACK
Remove dieback from perennials and cut their stems to within an inch or two from the ground. Add a heavy mulch or cover the base to prevent winter injuries.
SPRUCE UP THE FLOWER BED
Clean out the remnants of old annuals, dried stems, and other unsightly debris in flowerbeds to get rid of pests and prevent the spread of disease during the spring growing season.
WIPE OUT WEEDS
Apply weed preventer in spray or granular form when the soil is moist and the air temperature is moderate. A layer of culch or horticultural grit also helps keep weeds to a minimum.
ENRICH THE SOIL
Shred raked leaves and spread a 2-4" deep layer to create natural compost that will enrich the soil over the winter. You can also add raked thatch and grass clippings to the leaves.
PLANT BULBS
Fall is the ideal time to get tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and other bulbs into the ground when it’s cool but before it freezes. The Virginia Growers Guide suggests planting bulbs in early November when there is no hard frost.
PLANT HARDY PLANTS
Add organic nutrients for hardy plants as they go into the ground for the winter. Check a plant hardiness zone chart to know which winter hardy plants you can grow in your region.
BLOW THE LEAVES
Keep your lawn clear of fallen leaves to prevent them from blocking sunlight and air from reaching the grass.
LAY DOWN STEPPING STONES
Consider adding stepping stones to access patios, sheds, and bins for the winter season.
KEEP WATERING
Make sure to water the lawn as needed, especially during dry periods, to help the grass stay healthy.
OVERSEED THE LAWN
Fill in bare patches and improve the density of the grass by overseeding in the fall.
MOW LOW
Mow the lawn with the blade on its lowest setting to help the sun reach the crown of the grass.
FEED THE GRASS
Most grass is ‘cool season’ grass for the DMV area and would benefit from a mixed fertilizer like 13-25-12.
REMOVE DIEBACK
Remove dieback from perennials and cut their stems to within an inch or two from the ground. Add a heavy mulch or cover the base to prevent winter injuries.
SPRUCE UP THE FLOWER BED
Clean out the remnants of old annuals, dried stems, and other unsightly debris in flowerbeds to get rid of pests and prevent the spread of disease during the spring growing season.
WIPE OUT WEEDS
Apply weed preventer in spray or granular form when the soil is moist and the air temperature is moderate. A layer of culch or horticultural grit also helps keep weeds to a minimum.
ENRICH THE SOIL
Shred raked leaves and spread a 2-4" deep layer to create natural compost that will enrich the soil over the winter. You can also add raked thatch and grass clippings to the leaves.
PLANT BULBS
Fall is the ideal time to get tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and other bulbs into the ground when it’s cool but before it freezes. The Virginia Growers Guide suggests planting bulbs in early November when there is no hard frost.
PLANT HARDY PLANTS
Add organic nutrients for hardy plants as they go into the ground for the winter. Check a plant hardiness zone chart to know which winter hardy plants you can grow in your region.
BLOW THE LEAVES
Keep your lawn clear of fallen leaves to prevent them from blocking sunlight and air from reaching the grass.
LAY DOWN STEPPING STONES
Consider adding stepping stones to access patios, sheds, and bins for the winter season.
KEEP WATERING
Make sure to water the lawn as needed, especially during dry periods, to help the grass stay healthy.
OVERSEED THE LAWN
Fill in bare patches and improve the density of the grass by overseeding in the fall.
MOW LOW
Mow the lawn with the blade on its lowest setting to help the sun reach the crown of the grass.
FEED THE GRASS
Most grass is ‘cool season’ grass for the DMV area and would benefit from a mixed fertilizer like 13-25-12.
REMOVE DIEBACK
Remove dieback from perennials and cut their stems to within an inch or two from the ground. Add a heavy mulch or cover the base to prevent winter injuries.
SPRUCE UP THE FLOWER BED
Clean out the remnants of old annuals, dried stems, and other unsightly debris in flowerbeds to get rid of pests and prevent the spread of disease during the spring growing season.
WIPE OUT WEEDS
Apply weed preventer in spray or granular form when the soil is moist and the air temperature is moderate. A layer of culch or horticultural grit also helps keep weeds to a minimum.
ENRICH THE SOIL
Shred raked leaves and spread a 2-4" deep layer to create natural compost that will enrich the soil over the winter. You can also add raked thatch and grass clippings to the leaves.
PLANT BULBS
Fall is the ideal time to get tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and other bulbs into the ground when it’s cool but before it freezes. The Virginia Growers Guide suggests planting bulbs in early November when there is no hard frost.
PLANT HARDY PLANTS
Add organic nutrients for hardy plants as they go into the ground for the winter. Check a plant hardiness zone chart to know which winter hardy plants you can grow in your region.
Lawn and Garden Tips for Winter
Before most of your garden go into the dormant stage in winter, take the time to prepare them for a long winter's nap.
BLOW LEAVES
Large swaths of fallen leaves may smother your lawn grass and stunt the growth of new grass. Keep the lawn clean before the first frost.
AVOID DE-ICING DAMAGE
Be cautious when applying de-icing salt and sand to pathways and walkways and avoid using excessive salt with the lawn to prevent damage to the grass.
LIMIT TRAFFIC
Minimize foot traffic on the lawn during the winter months to prevent compaction of the soil. Clear pavings and pathways to limit access to the lawn grass.
CLEAR SNOW
If your area experiences heavy snowfall, consider clearing snow from your lawn to prevent damage from accumulated weight.
PROTECT PLANTS FROM FROST
Cover ground planted plants with burlap, cheesecloth, netting, or tarp. Take potted plants indoors whenever possible.
PREPARE FOR SPRING
Use the winter months to plan and prepare for spring lawn care activities such as aeration, dethatching, and overseeding.
BLOW LEAVES
Large swaths of fallen leaves may smother your lawn grass and stunt the growth of new grass. Keep the lawn clean before the first frost.
AVOID DE-ICING DAMAGE
Be cautious when applying de-icing salt and sand to pathways and walkways and avoid using excessive salt with the lawn to prevent damage to the grass.
LIMIT TRAFFIC
Minimize foot traffic on the lawn during the winter months to prevent compaction of the soil. Clear pavings and pathways to limit access to the lawn grass.
CLEAR SNOW
If your area experiences heavy snowfall, consider clearing snow from your lawn to prevent damage from accumulated weight.
PROTECT PLANTS FROM FROST
Cover ground planted plants with burlap, cheesecloth, netting, or tarp. Take potted plants indoors whenever possible.
PREPARE FOR SPRING
Use the winter months to plan and prepare for spring lawn care activities such as aeration, dethatching, and overseeding.
BLOW LEAVES
Large swaths of fallen leaves may smother your lawn grass and stunt the growth of new grass. Keep the lawn clean before the first frost.
AVOID DE-ICING DAMAGE
Be cautious when applying de-icing salt and sand to pathways and walkways and avoid using excessive salt with the lawn to prevent damage to the grass.
LIMIT TRAFFIC
Minimize foot traffic on the lawn during the winter months to prevent compaction of the soil. Clear pavings and pathways to limit access to the lawn grass.
CLEAR SNOW
If your area experiences heavy snowfall, consider clearing snow from your lawn to prevent damage from accumulated weight.
PROTECT PLANTS FROM FROST
Cover ground planted plants with burlap, cheesecloth, netting, or tarp. Take potted plants indoors whenever possible.
PREPARE FOR SPRING
Use the winter months to plan and prepare for spring lawn care activities such as aeration, dethatching, and overseeding.
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