Minneapolis, MN Fall Clean Up Tips
Your Seasonal "To Do" List
As the Minneapolis, MN fall season rolls toward winter (yes, we said the dreaded “W” word!), now is a good time to enjoy the turning leaves, an outdoor fire pit and maybe an end of season camping trip. It is also the right time to do a thorough clean up and perform some basic maintenance to get your lawn and landscape ready for next spring. Minneapolis, MN homeowners should follow these 10 tips to prepare their lawns and landscapes for the “long winter’s nap” ahead.
1. Feed Your Lawn. Think of fall fertilization as refueling and replenishing your lawn after a long, hot summer. Fall fertilization will help maintain your lawn’s root health and replenish nutrients that were expended in summer months. Fall feedings should be timed when plants are still absorbing nutrients, so don’t wait too long.
2. Remember to Water. Before you put away the hose and sprinkler for the season, remember that thriving plants are still thirsty. Water early in the day to avoid evaporation and disease development, and make sure you water deep. When you see moisture easily soak into the soil of container plants and beds, apply another dose.
3. Let Your Soil Breathe. A summer’s worth of thatch build-up and foot traffic can compact soil, which cuts off oxygen and nutrient supply to the roots. A fall aeration loosens soil and literally airs out the earth. The soil plugs that are removed can be left on the lawn, as they will break down and provide additional nutrients to your Minneapolis, MN lawn. Balding turf, matted-down grass, sparse new growth, pools of water and tough ground are signs you need to aerate.
4. Level and Reseed. Start spring on level ground by filling ruts and low spots where water collects now. Fall is the best time to reseed your lawn so turf roots establish before winter. Loosen soil with a dethatching rake, add a soil amendment such as top soil or peat moss, evenly apply seed and make sure to water regularly.
5. Divide Plants. If your perennials are overcrowded, fall is an ideal time to divide the root ball and replant. Cutting back the plants prior to transplanting can help reduce shock.
6. Plant Fall Bulbs. Plant in fall and be the first on your block to enjoy spring’s blooms – crocus, daffodil and tulip. The best time to plant is after the first frost so the bulbs will stay cool all winter. Dig holes for bulbs and fertilize before replacing soil.
7. Rake Those Leaves. Minneapolis, MN fall cleanup will save time for gardening and other more fun-filled pursuits in the spring. Do a thorough raking of leaves and sticks from your lawn will prevent the heavy, wet foliage from suffocating the turf. Dark, moist environments are breeding grounds for disease.
8. Lower Your Mower Setting. Gradually lower your mowing height throughout the fall season. When storing your lawn care equipment – mower, trimmer, edger, blower, etc. – make sure give them a good running and put some over-wintering additive (available at Minneapolis, MN home improvement stores) in the engine to ensure easy start up in the spring.
9. Decorate for the Holidays. Fall is the time to think festive! Draw attention to your landscape with lighting, and find ways to incorporate a pop of color by filling containers with seasonal selections – mums for fall. Also put up those holiday lights on a mild weekend day in October or early November – no one enjoys trying to blow up an inflatable Frosty the Snowman when the weather won’t cooperate!
10. Clean Up the Yard. Wash down your patio furniture and store it in your shed or garage for the winter. Give hinges and moving parts a shot of lubricant before you store them. Place seat cushions in large plastic garbage bags, bring hoses in for the winter and make sure to turn off outside faucets if needed so they don’t burst in freezing temperatures.
Brought to you by Weed Man Lawn Care Minneapolis, MN: we care for your lawn. Call (651) 456-9696 or request an online quote to find out how we can help your lawn look its best.
