Curb Appeal
Lawn and landscape maintenance shouldn't end with the conclusion of summer.
Fall is an important time of year to plan and prepare your outdoor space for winter. Companies and homeowners can take a number of steps in this cooler time of year to ensure your landscape will look its best come spring.
Thinking about adding or redoing some landscaping? Want to install a new patio or outdoor kitchen at home? Is your company considering an irrigation system? Planning and budgeting in advance for work you would like to have done next year means you won’t scramble to choose a company, determine a budget, and finalize a design when you are ready to start the work in the spring.
5 Things to do this fall to make your lawn and landscape look its best next spring.
Budget. Budgeting for next year’s lawn fertilization, mowing and lawn maintenance now, means you aren’t trying to fit it in your budget in the spring. You also may be able to take advantage of pre-payment and early sign up savings.
Plant. We often think of planting as a spring project; however, fall is a great time to plant trees and bushes. The cooler temperatures mean less stress for the plants, giving them a better opportunity to thrive. Also, some spring time flowering plants, like tulips and hyacinth, have to be planted in the fall.
Rake. It’s down there at the bottom of fun landscaping chores, but cleaning up leaves in the fall helps keep your lawn healthy for the spring. When leaves sit on the grass and landscape beds during the winter, moisture can collect underneath them and cause fungus problems. Sitting leaves prevent sunlight from reaching the grass, which means the grass is missing out on a key nutrient. They can also provide a habitat for unwanted pests. Removing leaves from your property now, makes spring-time cleanups easier and more affordable. Most importantly—the curb appeal factor—customers don’t want to trudge through leaves to get to your front door.
Cleanup. Correctly cutting back perennial plants in the fall will help them start growing in the spring without additional effort. Also, cleaning up debris from around your property helps prevent pests and diseases from collecting in your yard and landscape, making for a healthier place for plants and grass to grow.
Plan. Establishing a snow removal plan in the fall eliminates the stress of trying to find a plowing company when snow suddenly appears in the winter forecast. Snow and ice removal is crucial to the safety of your employees and customers. When contracting with a company, make sure you agree on key services, such as: the snowfall amount that will trigger a service, if they will clear sidewalks, and if they will apply sand or salt.
