Fall Landscaping Tips for Northeast Home Owners

It’s a time when the weather is getting cooler, the leaves are turning colors and falling off the trees and the air is brisk. Fall is upon us and many homeowners think this is the time when landscaping can be cut back. But, in actuality fall is the perfect time to prepare for next year’s planting. Plus, even though winter will soon be upon us you will still want your yard looking the best it can possibly look. In order to get the most from your yard, there are several landscaping tips you can use.

First, although the grass will stop growing as fast, it is still important to maintain a routine of mowing. Grass should be maintained at approximately 2.5 inches during the fall and winter months. It is also optimal to mow the lawn only after it has grown enough to mow the top 1/3 of the tips. So, although there are no time tables for how frequently you should mow just keep an eye on the length of the grass and mow accordingly. This may be every two weeks or once per month depending on weather conditions.

Watering the grass should still be done as well but this can be cut back significantly. If you live in an area where there are trees losing their leaves, it is important to rake them from the ground. If you let leaves stay on the ground too long they can stifle the lawn and deprive it from oxygen and sunlight, essential for growth. Make sure to aerate and fertilize the lawn and weed whenever necessary to maintain a crisp, clean looking lawn throughout the fall and winter.

If you are thinking of doing some rearranging or adding to your landscape, fall is the perfect time to do it. If you need to move some trees or bushes do it early in the fall so the roots can reestablish themselves in the new plot in time to flourish in the spring. Pruning should also be done in the fall to make sure your trees and shrubs are well trimmed and shaped. Remember that some trees and shrubs are more fragile and could be damaged due to wind, rain and snow, so prepare to wrap them to protect them from weather conditions.

Flower gardens are especially important in spring when everything is in bloom but there are some spring gardens that should be started in the fall. Bulbs such as tulips and daffodils should be planted in early fall so they are ready to bloom in the spring. There are also some beautiful fall flowers that can lend a refreshing splash of color to your yard such as snapdragons and black eyed Susans.

So, although it may be tempting to leave well enough alone during the fall, there are still some yard maintenance steps that should be taken. It is true that you will likely spend less time in the yard on your landscape but it should not be ignored completely. Maintaining a yard and adhering to some of the simple tips will ensure a healthy yard and beautiful flowers come springtime.

Lou Lynch is an Ulster County Real Estate expert and local authority on all things Hudson Valley. For more information on the Upstate New York paradise call Lou at: 845-857-1279.