It’s still absolutely beautiful in Calgary, so we do hate to utter the actual word “fall.” But the evenings and nights are definitely cooling down and the days sadly getting shorter. It’s around this time that we begin to modify our outdoor property management duties.
As part of our regular landscape maintenance schedule, every September we perform the following for our residential and commercial clients:
- Cutting and trimming of lawn areas every two weeks
- Litter removal from lawn and garden areas
- Weeding of garden areas every two weeks
- Clearing of lawn clippings from entrances and sidewalks
- Trimming of all shrubs
The purpose of fall landscaping is to get your property as healthy as possible before it has to face to winter. The same holds true for us humans! Just think, if you are feeling slightly sick before the cold sets in, it’s going to be a lot harder to get feeling well again. These fall landscaping tasks are like dosing your yard up with vitamins and minerals before the winter sets in.
Benefits of a fall fertilization
All of our residential and commercial clients receive an application of fertilizer in the fall, and here’s why.
A fall fertilization provides essential nutrients to plants before they enter their dormant phase during the winter months. This nourishment helps them build stronger root systems, store energy, and be better prepared to withstand harsh winter conditions.
Obviously, fall fertilization will also promote healthier and more vibrant growth in the spring. The nutrients applied in the fall remain in the soil, ready for uptake when plants start actively growing again. This can lead to earlier blooms, better results in your food gardens, and thicker, more lush lawns come springtime.
Fall is also an ideal time for fertilization because the cooler temperatures reduce the risk of fertilizer burn, which can harm plants in hot summer months. It allows gardeners to address any nutrient deficiencies discovered through soil testing, ensuring that plants receive precisely what they need for optimal health.
Finally, most people don’t realize that fall fertilization is actually better for the environment. Nutrients applied in the fall are less likely to leach into groundwater or run off into nearby water bodies as compared to spring and summer applications, which reduces the risk of pollution.
Filling in the bald spots
Calgary’s water ban may have allowed for some parts of your lawn to become dry and patchy. You may think you will have to wait until spring to repair these areas due to Calgary’s watering ban, but the ban does allow you to spot-water new seed that has been planted in the last 45 days.
Scrape out the old, dead grass and thatch using a rake and try to loosen up the top layer of soil. Then put down a thin layer of new topsoil, and sprinkle a generous portion of seed on top of that. Read the instructions on the bag if you are unsure of how much to put down. Mix it all together, then put down a top layer of new seed.
You’ll need to water twice a day until the grass has taken seed and started growing. Continue with twice-daily watering for one more week, then go down to once per day. Avoid cutting the new grass until it has reached several inches in height – more than mowing height (about four inches).
Putting annuals and perennials to bed
It always sad to say good-bye to the extra vibrant colour and beauty our annuals and perennials provide to our properties. As the weather looks to stay nice and warm for the next few weeks, luckily we don’t have to rush, but be sure to have everything dealt with before the first big frost.
Don’t forget to compost your annuals in the City of Calgary’s compost bins (the green ones) after you have pulled them, and you can keep your potting soil in your planters until next year (you may want to add a little bit of fertilizer and compost to replace the nutrients that were used this summer).
Perennials require a bit more attention, of course, and their fall care depends on the species. First, trim back dead or spent foliage to discourage disease and pests. Cutting back to a few inches above the ground is generally recommended, but some perennials may benefit from leaving a bit of growth for winter protection.
It’s also a good time to divide and transplant overcrowded perennials, allowing them more space to rejuvenate their growth. Mulching around the base of plants with a layer of organic material helps insulate the roots and conserve moisture during winter.
Also ensure your perennials are adequately watered before the ground freezes to help them withstand the winter months successfully.
Calgary landscaping and snow removal
For three generations, our family-run Mirage Landscaping has been delivering excellent value to homeowners in the southeast Calgary area. We take great pride in our work and always strive to do the best job possible, and we’re also mindful of keeping customer costs as low as possible. As the days begin to cool down, don’t forget that we operate year-round and are on hand to take care of your snow removal needs throughout the winter. Let us take that worry off your plate and help ensure your property is safe for visitors at all times. Visit us today to get a fast, free service consultation and quote.
