FALL CLEANUP

Fall cleanup is a vital aspect of maintaining your garden and outdoor spaces as the season transitions from late summer to autumn. This process helps prepare your garden for winter and ensures a healthy start for the following spring. Here's a description of key tasks and considerations for effective fall cleanup

1. Leaf Removal: As trees shed their leaves, regularly rake or use a leaf blower to clear fallen foliage from lawns, pathways, and garden beds. Leaves can be composted or used as mulch in garden beds.

**2. Garden Bed Cleanup: Remove spent annuals, weeds, and dead or diseased plants from garden beds. Cut back perennials that have finished flowering, leaving about 2-3 inches of growth above the soil.

**3. Composting: Collect leaves, plant debris, and organic material from your garden for composting. Compost provides valuable nutrients for your garden and reduces waste.

*4. Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch to garden beds to insulate plant roots and protect them from freezing temperatures. Mulch also helps prevent weed growth.

**5. Lawn Care: Continue to mow the lawn until it stops growing, gradually reducing the mowing height. Aerate the lawn if needed to improve soil compaction.

*6. Pruning: Prune trees and shrubs to remove dead or diseased branches and shape plants. Late fall is an excellent time for major pruning when plants are dormant.

**7. Bulb Planting: Plant spring-flowering bulbs like tulips and daffodils in the fall. Follow planting guidelines for specific bulb varieties.

**8. Vegetable Garden Cleanup: Remove spent vegetable plants and compost healthy ones. Clean and store garden tools.

**9. Container Plants: Bring potted plants indoors or into a sheltered area if they are not cold-hardy. Water them sparingly during the winter.

**10. Pest and Disease Inspection: Examine plants for signs of pests and disease. Address any issues and consider treating plants with dormant oil spray to prevent overwintering pests.