Friday, November 1, 2013

Preparing your Yard for Cooler Weather

Doing some things to get your yard ready for cooler weather can make all the difference in improving its health. Spread the tasks out over a few weekends and it won’t be so bad, or call C4 Landscape & Design to take the work off of your hands. Even though the Houston area doesn’t get that cold compared to some parts of the country, you will still be glad you get these jobs done now.


  • Use a basic rake to redistribute your mulch to allow water to access the roots more easily. Plus, it perks your landscaping right up!
  • Don’t fall victim to piling your mulch up like a hill, which is an enticing spot for pests. Instead, even out the mulch around trees and leave a few inches between the mulch and the tree.
  • Do your research to learn what kind of fertilizer is best for Fall, and apply it before it gets too cold. Fall is the most important time to fertilize your lawn.
  • If your lawn has bare spots or dry patches, reseed those areas before lawn growth slows in the cold weather.
  • Aerate your lawn to move air among the soil, which promotes healthy grass. Also remove thatch, the layer of dead grass and debris on your soil, which impedes the growth of grass, blocks water from reaching roots, and promotes fungal diseases.
  • Keep your grass at least 2 to 2-1/2 inches tall. Even though it may be tempting to cut it short to avoid more frequent mowing, your lawn won’t be as healthy.
  • Get rid of dried leaves, branches, and twigs. Consider renting a wood chipper from a home improvement store to create mulch full of nutrients for your landscaping.
  • Carefully prune your bushes and trees, but be sure not to remove new growth.
  • Remove dead leaves, branches, and dried fruit from perennials to lower the appeal to bugs.
  • Planting Spring bulbs now will provide a longer time for their roots to develop and become strong.
  • Tune up your lawn equipment such as the mower and leaf blower. Get them ready for storage in the off-season so that they’re good to go next Spring.