Fall Landscaping Tips

How about that cooler weather this morning? We saw it get down in the low 50’s overnight here in the Triangle area! It’s truly our first taste of fall after a hot hot hot summer! Fall doesn’t officially start for 6 more days but it feels like it’s finally on its way!

In this article, we will share a few tips to get your landscapes ready for the cooler Fall weather!

• Be sure to remove tired summer blooming annuals and replace them with colorful cool weather flowers such as pansies.
• This is the perfect time to plant new perennials!
• Make sure all new plants are well watered before and after planting for best results!
• This is the time of year where the deer come out to play! Check out our blog post Hang on for Deer Life here: https://www.designscapesofnc.com/landscaping/hang-on-for-deer-life/ for tips on how to keep the deer out of your yard this Fall!
• September is the time to refresh your lawn. If you have Tall Fescue, it needs to be seeded now! Be sure to keep your lawn watered.
• Don’t fertilize Bermuda, Zoysia, or Centipede grass during this time. It’s time to let these go dormant.
• Although we have not seen below 50 degrees temperatures yet, we will be seeing them soon enough. Be sure to apply pre-emergent herbicides when the temperature drops below 50 degrees.
• Although it’s going to get cooler, some weeds will still thrive during this time. Digging weeds rather than hand pulling is more effective, as well as chemical control.
• If your lawn continuously struggles, it may be time to explore other options like ground covers or new landscaping.
• Regardless of popular belief, Fall is the best time to plant trees and shrubs. They establish great root growth in the cooler weather. Just make sure they’re watered properly.
• Don’t worry about pruning woody plants until it gets cooler. Premature pruning will encourage new growth and limit their success in the warmer months.
• We may be getting closer to Fall, but it’s not time for the leaves to be changing colors yet. If you notice premature fall color on any trees or shrubs in your landscaping, this may be a sign of stress on the plant. Be sure to find the cause of the stress and fix the problem.
• Don’t forget! Fire ants love cooler weather and if you’re not careful, they will start to take over your yard. Be sure to pick up your favorite fire ant killer when you’re out at the store this week!

We would be more than happy to help you prepare your landscaping for the Fall! Give us a call today 919-844-3441 or fill out the contact form below.