fall maintenance (september - november)

Trees and shrubs:
- Fertilize trees and shrubs using a balanced fertilizer
- Inspect for insects and disease, treating as necessary

Lawns:
- Aerate, over-seed, and apply a slow-release fertilizer to fescue grass
- Apply a high-potassium fertilizer to warm season turf (Bermuda & Zoysia)
- Apply post-emergent weed-control as needed
- Inspect for insects and disease, treating as necessary
- Mow, trim, and edge lawn areas as needed
- Remove autumn leaves from lawns as necessary

Planted beds (softscapes):
- Remove leaves, weeds, sticks, debris, etc., from planted areas
- Apply post-emergent weed control as needed
- Inspect for insects and disease, treating as necessary
- Maintain flowers regularly by deadheading, weeding, and fertilizing as necessary
- Install fall flowers (such as mums) from September 15th through October 15th.
- Begin planting spring bulbs (tulips, daffodils, crocus, etc.)
- Dig up delicate bulbs for storage
- Divide and/or transplant other perennials (daylilies, iris, etc.)

Hardscapes, water features, irrigation systems, and outdoor lighting:
- Turn off and “winterize” irrigation systems before the first freeze (by October 15th)
- Drain & winterize water features (as necessary) before first freeze (by October 15th)
- Reset automatic timers on outdoor lighting when Daylight Savings Time ends
- Inspect outdoor lighting fixtures, replacing bulbs if necessary

Additional:
• Begin the planning and designing phases for next year’s landscape projects
- by deciding upon an appropriate landscape design firm
• Arrange for consultants with your landscape design firm to take measurements
- and survey current conditions before the ground is covered with snow
• Finalize winter service contracts for snow removal, dormant-season pruning, etc.
• Arrange and schedule wintertime home-improvement projects

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