OAK WILT
February 19, 2014Outdoor Projects to consider NOW for Spring enjoyment
September 18, 2015Fall Lawn & Landscape
With the Fall season just around the corner, it is imperative to begin the process of winterizing your lawn and prepping the landscape. By maintaining a consistent schedule season to season, you can ensure yourself that you will have a healthy lawn and shrubbery year round.
Mowing
A general rule when mowing your lawn is never to cut off more than one-third of the length of the grass at any cutting. This can damage the health and growth of your lawn. So, maintain a regular cutting schedule accordingly and adjust your cutting height as appropriate for growth during all seasons.
Fertilization
It is important to keep your lawn healthy, and that includes fertilization. The key to preparing for winterization is to promote deep, healthy roots for your lawn. While there is a variation in fertilizer ratios in winterizing formulas, you want to choose one that has a high phosphorous content.
Watering
There is a common misperception that lawns die during the winter months. You lawn really doesn’t die, but rather goes dormant during that time. However, you can be assured that it will die if you do not keep a watering schedule. Watering guidelines may not be in compliance with local water regulations. Check with your local water supplier for watering rules.
As the Fall season sets in, set your lawn watering schedule for two to three times per week for approximately 15 to 20 minutes per watering. The closer you get to winter, watering should be reduced to one time per week for about the same amount of time.
Having a sprinkler system on a timer can save you the headache of waking up in the early morning hours to water. The key here is to not water during the day to avoid much of the water evaporating and at night, which can promote fungus and rot.
Trees and shrubs should be deep root watered at least one per week to maintain a healthy root system and tree growth. Avoid watering leaves on plants and shrubbery, especially during warm periods, as scalding from sunlight can damage them.
Keeping your landscaping looking great with a regular maintenance schedule adds curb appeal and value to your home and property. A professional lawn care specialist can provide the regular care for your landscaping necessary for keeping everything looking great.