Winter Winds: 4 Ways Your Family Can Get the Yard and Garden Ready for Fall

If you want your yards and garden to survive freezing temperatures and heavy storms, then you need to start winterizing them well before the first frost. Most trees, bushes, and flowers are extremely resilient, but you still don’t want to take any chances with your landscaping. These four tips will help you get your grass and plants ready for the harsh fall and winter months.

Remove Debris

While a thin coat of leaves will insulate your lawn and protect it from the elements, too much debris will prevent oxygen and water from getting to the roots. If you have a garden, then you should consider mulching all of your leaves, twigs, and branches. Mulch is extremely nutrient-dense, and it will help balance moisture levels during the wet season.

Aerate and Fertilize

Aerating allows water, oxygen, and fertilizer to reach the roots of your grass and plants. It should be done at least once or twice a year including just before the weather begins to cool off. Homeowners who have large lawns should consider renting a gas-powered or self-propelled aerator to speed this process up. Once you have aerated the soil, you then need to fertilize your yards to give your plants a boost of nutrients.

Inspect and Trim the Trees

Most trees and larger plants will become damaged if they aren’t properly trimmed every few months. Once the first snowstorm hits, the extra weight could snap weak branches and send them tumbling into your roof or walls. Some companies, like Smitty’s Tree Service, know that this is all too true. Trimming larger trees can be somewhat dangerous, and you might want to consider hiring a professional arborist or landscaping company if you don’t have the proper tools and equipment.

Start Planting Cool-Season Crops

Many different vegetables and bushes should be planted at the end of summer including broccoli, beets, carrots, and various berries. You can also plant germinated leafy green seeds that only take a few weeks to grow. If you plan on planting anything just before fall, you must make sure that you don’t get chemical fertilizers anywhere near the seeds, roots, or stems.

In addition to caring for all of your flora, you must also get your gardening equipment and outdoor furniture out of the elements. Items that are made out of wood or any other natural materials should be treated with a high-quality sealant. Anything that can’t be sealed such as plastic lawn furniture and rubber hoses must be stored inside a shed or garage to prevent permanent damage.