Fall and winter can be hard on your grasses, trees and flowers. Taking care of outdoor spaces before big seasonal changes can help prevent damage and reduce the workload in the spring.
Preparing your outdoor spaces for fall and winter not only allows you to enjoy your outdoor area year-round but also offers practical benefits such as property value enhancement, reduced maintenance, and improved safety and energy efficiency. It’s an investment that can enhance your overall quality of life and the value of your property.
Late October to mid-November is the perfect time to plant, weed, prune, and mulch, so your yard looks nicer and your plants will be protected during the winter.
Whether you’re selling your home, moving into a new home, or simply want to protect your landscape, here are six ways to ensure your outdoor oasis remains inviting, comfortable, and well-maintained during the cooler months ahead.
1. Trim trees of dead branches for your own and neighbors’ safety. November to March are ideal times to prune trees to give them a better shape and prevent branches from blowing against the house.
2. Now is the time to get rid of leggy shrubs and plant new ones. Plant new shade trees with leaves that turn colors. Few fall sights are as beautiful as a maple tree with flaming red leaves or a ginko with golden yellow leaves.
3. Clean flower beds and mulch with a layer of wood chips, tree bark, leaves or other organic material.
4. October and November are the ideal times to plant bulbs before the ground gets hard. You can also plant pansies, ornamental kale, ornamental cabbage and other cool-season annuals.
5. Pull weeds from the lawn after a rain so they’ll be easier to pull out by the roots. They’ll be less likely to crop up again in the spring.
6. Preparing your outdoor space for fall and winter allows you to decorate it for the holidays and create a festive atmosphere. Now you are ready to get out the lights, wreaths, and other decorations to celebrate the seasons!
Source: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices