When fall arrives in Northern Arizona, it’s natural to want to slow things down and relax. But without fall landscape cleanup, your yard may struggle the following spring and summer. A fall yard cleanup plan is a must to keep trees, grasses, plants, and shrubs healthy and happy this fall and beyond. Here’s what Zebrascapes’ local landscape contractors suggest for fall cleanup.
Raking and Composting Leaves
If you happen to be lucky enough to live near lots of trees, raking leaves could improve your lawn health and growth. Raking improves air circulation and sunlight exposure on your lawn, and is a good idea if anyone in your home has leaf mold allergies.
While a few scattered leaves won’t hurt your yard, thick layers of leaves may suffocate grass, promote fungal diseases, and prevent sunlight from reaching the lawn. Because of that, raking can give photosynthesis and root health a boost. Reusing leaves for compost or mulch makes planters and flower beds more nutrient rich.
Checking and Adjusting Your Irrigation System
Make sure your home irrigation system is properly adjusted for fall weather patterns, if it doesn’t do so automatically. Check it for proper functionality, and consider if drip irrigation is a good option for watering your lawn and plants in the autumn season.
Pool Care and Covering
If you have a backyard pool that’s not heated (and that you aren’t planning to use during the winter), close it properly to minimize maintenance issues in the spring. This includes cleaning around your pool, emptying out the skimmer, and covering the pool until you’re ready to use it again.
Tree Trimming and Pruning
Trimming trees is a great way to set them up for healthy, robust growth in the fall. You’ll need to confirm which trees on your property grow best with fall pruning, and make sure you only prune where necessary. Proper pruning will prevent tree disease and improve “delivery” of water, sunlight, and nutrients to all parts of the tree.
Weed Control and Plant Care
Fall doesn’t mean you have to stop planting. In fact, there’s plenty of weed care, planting, and garden tending that can be done in the fall for any Green Thumbs out there.
- Fall Pre-Emergent Application: Applying pre-emergent herbicides in the fall is a must for a healthy, weed-free lawn when things heat back up.
- Fertilizing: Fall is also a great time for fertilizing trees, lawns, and planters. Get the right type for what your plants need (and don’t forget to water it in). This is a great way to promote root health and prevent weakness.
- Fall Planting: You can remove dead plants and shrubs and replace them with fall-blooming, local plants that bring color and variety to your yard all autumn. There are also certain vegetables and spring flowering plants that its best to plant in the fall.
Your One-Stop Shop for Fall Yard Care and Cleanup
If you’re behind on fall yard cleanup, don’t worry. Zebrascapes is here to help with lawn care, landscaping, tree pruning, irrigation services, and more. Get everything checked off your list and get back to enjoying the beauty of the season. Call us today to schedule your landscaping services.