Temperatures are set to be seasonal for the rest of September, which means we are looking at an average of around 17-degrees Celsius for the next couple of weeks. These comfortable temperatures mean we will still be able to enjoy time outdoors on our patios and in our yards, which is great. But, sadly, we’re all going to start to notice more and more leaves on the ground every day.
Full fall clean-up time is probably still more than a month away, but throughout September we are slowly beginning to prepare our commercial or residential clients’ properties for the colder climes. Mirage Landscaping has three generations worth of experience working in Calgary and we know how to best put yards and gardens to bed for the winter.
We’re Still Mowing
Grass is still growing, and so we’re still mowing, and likely will until at least then end of the month. We recommend cutting grass to about three inches high for the last part of the season, and to keep cutting at that height until the grass stops growing altogether. Three-inch tall grass is very strong and is ideal for retaining moisture.
As a general rule of thumb you can stop watering at the end of September, but if it has been dry and warm (as it has been so far this year), you may want to water a little longer. You may also want to start watering a little bit later in the day rather than first thing in the morning. This is to take advantage of the warmer hours and avoid your grass freezing during the cool evenings and mornings.
Your shrubs and trees also need a good drink to get them through to spring. Let a garden hose run slowly at the base of your shrubs and trees until water penetrates to two feet. To reach two feet you will need to apply eight inches of water. Check them weekly to see if they need any more moisture for as long as consistent frosts hold off.
Frosts will surely be coming more and more frequently, so watch the forecast carefully and cover your pots and gardens at night to avoid frost damage. Fabric coverings are best because they allow your plants to breathe will still keeping the cool air out. The cover should be long enough to reach the ground and staked down if necessary. If it’s going to be particularly cold, you can put a plastic cover over your fabric cover, just be sure the plastic is not touching the plant in any way.
Fall Fertilizing Best Practices
As part of our lawn care services and a few weeks before we come for your final fall clean-up – in fact, starting right away – we’ll come by for a fall fertilizer application. A kick of nitrogen and phosphorous will promote strong roots and a full, healthy and green lawn in the spring. It’s especially important to “feed” your grass in the fall, because the arrival of the shorter days and slightly cooler weather automatically triggers a response that tells your lawn it’s time to get ready for winter. It’s time to store up on nutrients, and spreading fertilizer helps lower the stress on your lawn as it enters dormancy.
Final Raking Reduces Pests
A fall clean-up always includes a thorough raking. Bugs and pests love the moisture found in habitats created by fallen leaves and branches, which are also great places to lay eggs. The number one reason to clear out leaves and lawn debris in the fall is to reduce the occurrence of invasive garden pests, not only for your sake, but also for everyone else’s. The more people do to keep bugs down, the better for everyone.
Irrigation Blow Out
After your fall clean-up is complete, it’s time to drain your irrigation. We use a compressor to force all remaining water out of your pipes, as even just a trace amount of trapped moisture could cause serious damage. When the ground freezes, pipes start to get cold and become more brittle. Any remaining water in the pipes will freeze, expand, and cause pipes to crack.
Southeast Calgary Commercial and Residential Landscaping and Snow Removal Services
Mirage Landscaping is a full-service, year-round, property maintenance company. We provide extensive lawn care maintenance, landscape construction services, and snow removal services to our commercial and residential clients.
We live and love to work in the southeast area of Calgary, including the communities of:
Auburn Bay, Chaparral, Chaparral Valley, Copperfield, Cranston, Douglasdale, Heritage Pointe, Lake Bonavista, Mahogany, McKenzie Lake, Mackenzie Towne, Maple Ridge, New Brighton, Odgen/Lynwood/Millican, Parkland, Riverbend, Sundance, Walden, and Willow Park.
We are very proud of what we do. View our portfolio to see our work, and contact us for a free quote.
