seasonal tips for fall

Fall landscapes are full of natural colors - reds, oranges, yellows, and browns - as leaves begin to change, berries are visible, and the sun is lower in the sky. However, a splash of addition color is always welcome. Installing fall mums, ornamental kale, or pansies adds a fresh, colorful look to a fall landscape, especially in high profile areas and planters. Another great tip for fall color is to incorporate a harvest display into your entrances with straw bales, corn stalks, and even Indian corn or pumpkins.

Now is the time to select your spring flowering bulbs so that your landscapes are not bare in the early spring season. Tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and other spring-flowering bulbs perform best if planted early enough to begin rooting before the ground freezes for the winter.

In addition, planting of most landscape plants is best done in the fall when temperatures are moderate, moisture is high, and competition from other plants is minimal. Turf renovation and over-seeding, for example, is optimal in early fall. Tree and shrub planting is also less stressful on plants in the fall. Fall is the time for planting.

Fall is also the time to determine which landscape plants need some extra protection during the winter months. Installing burlap screens, wrapping plants with burlap, or applying anti-desiccants to evergreens or plants exposed to wind/salt spray is a great way to protect and enhance your landscape investments. Roses, for example, need special protection in the winter months in most climates.

All plants begin to prepare for the winter by storing sugars in their roots. Turf grass is no different. A late fall fertilizer application is the most important one of the entire year since it strengthens root growth, hardiness, and lays the foundation for a burst of growth in the spring. Weed control in the fall is equally important, as many broadleaf weeds regenerate with cooler temperatures and high moisture.

Of course, fall is the time to clean up leaves, cut back perennials, and remove any other debris from landscape beds to reduce the potential of insect or disease infestations.

Don’t forget to reduce irrigation timing in early fall to avoid oversaturation of the soil and to have irrigation systems winterized before the first hard frost.

Finally, it is important to plan ahead for the winter by selecting a qualified snow and ice management company.

Brilar is your single source with infinite solutions. We are uniquely qualified to provide all of the above services and much more. Please contact us today for more information.

Fall Checklist

• Reduce irrigation timing in early fall
• Plant spring-flowering bulbs for early spring color
• Renovate turf and over-seed thin lawns
• Fertilize lawns and control broadleaf weeds
• Install fall color to high profile beds and planters - mums, ornamental kale, pansies, etc.
• Install fall harvest displays at entrances - straw bales, corn stalks, Indian corn, pumpkins, etc.
• Plant trees and shrubs
• Install winter protection of sensitive and exposed plants - burlaps screens, wrapping plants, etc.
• Cut back perennials and remove leaves or debris from landscape beds
• Store or cover outdoor furniture, grills, garden art, etc.
• Winterize irrigation systems before the first hard frost
• Plan for winter by selecting a qualified snow & ice management company
• Call Brilar - 1.800.go.brilar