IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN
There’s much to do before winter
PLAN YOUR PLANTING
Fall is a great time to take stock of gardening needs and create a game plan for spring. Draw up landscaping projects or figure out what you want to plant so you can be ready once the snow melts.
PRUNE TREES AND SHRUBS
Shearing off overgrown branches can help prevent damage caused by winter storms or snow accumulation. Pruning also helps keep your yard looking sharp during the winter months.
PATCH UP YOUR WALKWAYS AND DRIVEWAYS
The autumn slowdown is a good time to fill in cracks in asphalt or concrete. But make sure to apply sealant to prevent water from penetrating and freezing, which can cause additional damage.
WATER YOUR EVERGREENS
Make sure your evergreens get plenty of water before the snow flies. It helps prevent dehydration over the winter months, and can also help stave off winter burn.
TEST YOUR SOIL
Soil should be tested to determine pH and nutrient availability before applying grass seed. Sending a soil sample to a professional for testing costs approximately $20 and can save you from wasting time and money on ineffective grass seed.
RESEED YOUR LAWN
After testing the soil and cor- recting any problems, it’s time to aerate and reseed. Focus on the edges and areas of the lawn that have been worn down by foot traffic.
FLUFF UP YOUR MULCH
Turning the mulch can give flower beds a much-needed makeover and reduces the need for fresh mulch. Not only does it look bet- ter, but turning the mulch allows water to be more easily absorbed.
MAKE YOUR OWN MULCH
After turning, if you discover that you need some additional mulch then try making your own. Clumps of fallen leaves provide a natural source of organic matter. Run a lawn mower over them a few times to produce some ad- ditional plant-fuelling mulch.
CUT YOUR LAWN ONE LAST TIME
Mowing your lawn until it stops growing can help prevent snow mould. The general rule of thumb is keeping grass around seven to eight centimetres tall, preventing long blades from shading one another and allowing the sun to penetrate the ground.
PACK UP FOR THE WINTER
Gather up all of your hoses, sprinklers, rakes, garden tools, hammocks, soccer balls, and other yard accessories and pack them away for the winter. Storing those items indoors can help prevent damage or confusion once spring arrives.