Fall is a great time to relax from the busy, hot days of summer, and a good way to unwind is to do some yard maintenance. The crisp, breezy days of autumn are helpful in setting the mood for preparing your yard for the upcoming wintry weather.   So, as temperatures begin to fall, let yourself cool off from a summer full of activities and follow these guidelines for proper fall maintenance.

Proper mulching is important to consider in the fall, because it serves as an insulator for perennials and bulbs and will slow down the change in soil temperature. Rapid changes in soil temperature will kill more plants than cold temperatures alone. Mulching will help the soil temperature to decrease in a gradual way during the winter months. A year round 3 to 4 inch layer of shredded bark is recommended, with the mulch depth tapered down to ground level around the base of trunks, stems, and crowns of plants.

Fall is also a great time for new grass and seed to take root, so consider reseeding in selected areas. Reseeding also eliminates areas for weeds to grow in the spring. A late fall fertilization with a high nitrogen or high phosphorous fertilizer contributes to stronger root growth and a faster green-up in spring. Look for a lawn fertilizer labeled “winterizing.”

Deep watering of evergreens in fall is a good idea as their needles are exposed to the drying sun and wind all winter. When the soil is frozen, their roots can’t take in water, so having them “full” of water as winter begins is important. If the summer has been dry, this is a good idea for deciduous trees as well. For best results, provide 1 to 2 inches of water every two weeks until the soil begins to freeze. Rainfall in those amounts can take the place of hand watering.

A few guidelines can be considered when pruning your trees and perennials. Some trees, such as Birch and Oak, should only be pruned after their leaves have dropped. Pruning before this time, will cause the trees to bleed and can spread Oak diseases and fungus. As for perennials, some can be cut down; however, those with hollow stems or decorative seed heads should be left uncut. If you do cut perennials, leave a 4” stub or so to help insulate the root crown over winter. It is especially important to cut back perennial plants that tend to provide cover for animals during winter. Cut down mass plantings of chrysanthemums, asters, and other perennials after a hard freeze kills off the tops. Dispose of debris to help control the spread of fungus and disease during the next growing season.

This fall, let yourself recuperate from a summer full of activities. Go outdoors and experience the calm breezes and beautiful colors of fall while maintaining your landscape for the coming winter. Many believe that maintaining your yard can be both enjoyable and rewarding. Results will show that preserving your land and plants in the fall will ensure an even better growing season once spring blooms reveal themselves.