Prepare Your Yard for Fall/Winter

Winterizing Your Lawn

Although grass appears to stop growing in the fall, the roots are growing deeper to prepare for winter. Now is the best time to fertilize. Feeding the lawn early in autumn will give the roots a boost before winter arrives.

Pruning Protects Plants

Pruning is very important to encourage healthy growth in spring. Most pruning should be done after the leaves turn, indicating that the plant is dormant. A good rule of thumb is to prune spring blooming shrubs immediately after flowering and to prune summer blooming shrubs in the dormant season. Pruning late in the growing season will encourage new growth that will be damaged by frost.

Mulching Insulates

Spread a layer of mulch around the base of plants to provide insulation for the winter. Wait until spring to fertilize shrubs and trees.