Yard work isn’t relegated to spring and summer alone. Fall landscaping is also important to ensure your lawn and garden stay healthy through winter and into the warmer months. Here are a few essential do’s and don’ts to care for your yard after the leaves begin to fall. 

Do:

Remove dead leaves and branches.

Dead leaves and other debris not only clutter up the yard but can also affect its health. Piled up leaves block sunlight, provide shelter for insects, and contribute to mold and mildew growth. 

Consider hardscaping. 

Hardscapes are solid elements, like retaining walls, water features, patios, and decorative rocks, that add visual interest to your yard and can improve its function. For example, retaining walls prevent soil erosion and help with proper drainage, which is beneficial in rainy fall weather. 

Lay down mulch.

Mulch adds nutrients to your lawn and retains warmth when temperatures drop. Laying down mulch in the fall will help your grass endure the cold and recover when the weather heats up. 

Don’t:

Prune trees and shrubs. 

Pruning encourages trees and shrubs to grow. But the growths likely won’t withstand cold weather conditions, which is why it’s best to save pruning for winter, when plants are already dormant. 

Leave clay pots out. 

Clay pots are gorgeous additions to any yard, but they can be damaged by cold weather. Any soil remaining in the pots will contract and expand with winter weather conditions, which can crack the clay. It’s best to bring your clay pots indoors until spring. 

Ignore weeds.

While you might notice fewer weeds in fall, that doesn’t mean you should let them run rampant. Pulling weeds now ensures your yard isn’t overgrown when the weather warms up again.

Seek landscaping help from the professionals at the family-owned and operated Steve Hinesley and Co. Inc. in Asheboro, NC. Their 12-month landscaping contracts will keep your lawn and garden looking amazing through all four seasons. Their services include mowing, tree and shrub trimming, irrigation, and mulching. Call (336) 629-3779 or (336) 886-9542 to schedule year-round landscaping services at your home. You can also visit the website to check out a gallery of their past projects.