The busy and hot summer is coming to a close and the cooler months are quickly approaching. Once beautiful and green, our lawns are soon to be overtaken by dead plants, leaves, and flowers. With some simple yard work, your lawn can survive the harsh, cold weather and be fully rejuvenated for the spring!

Clean Up the Dead Plants, Leaves and Flowers

Leaving dead plants, leaves and flowers strewn about in your yard and flower beds for an extended period of time, can lead to various pests making a shelter to be protected from the cold. Removing dead plants allows for healthy new plants in the coming spring. In addition, leaving fallen leaves in your yard can kill your grass and create bald spots after the winter is over.

A unique solution to not only get rid of the excess of leaves, but to repurpose them, is to add them to your compost pile, or start composting if you have not already. A layer of leaves on top of the pile will prevent it from getting too wet and add a bonus layer of insulation throughout the winter.

Caring for Your Trees, Shrubs and Lawn

The best time to fertilize your lawn is in late summer and early fall, as your grass is more receptive to fertilization when the weather is neither too hot or too cold. Fertilization at this time will help your lawn recover from the summer heat and prepare for the cold winter. Clear your lawn of leaves and continue to mow your grass every other week until all of the leaves have fallen from your trees.

Trim back your trees and shrubs near the end of the fall season. They will look well maintained throughout winter, as no more growth will come forth until spring. Trimming branches will also help to minimize tree damage during those unpredictable heavy snow storms.

Preventing Mosquitoes

Fall is the prime time for bonfires, but do you know what can instantly ruin your fun fall gathering? Pesky mosquitoes. Being bitten by bugs the whole time you’re trying to enjoy your s'more can make you go crazy. Mosquitoes breed when the temperature is around 50 degrees. As the summer weather fades away, be on the lookout for optimal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Look for any stagnant or still water; since this is mosquitoes favorite spot to lay their eggs. Don’t forget to check your flower pots, watering cans, gutters or anywhere else around your property that could hold water. Eliminate these pests and enjoy your fall bonfires bites and itch free.