Change is not always welcome, but sometimes necessary, and often out of our control. This is exactly the case with landscaping, in so many different ways. Honing in on just one of those changes, we must discuss the changing of the weather. With that change comes the changing of temperatures, which plays a large role in how your landscape is maintained. The best way to ensure that your landscape not only survives but flourishes through this change is with adequate preparation. With the cold of the winter in the north, this is especially important for our Pittsburgh area clients. All it takes is to be knowledgeable, and you can prepare your landscape for the winter months.
Snow Removal: Now or Never
Before moving to protect your landscape from the temperatures, you should make sure that it is protected from snowfall. Not only can the snow and ice cause damage to your landscape, but they can also prevent your property from being used. If the property is commercial this can be extremely detrimental to the profitability of your business. It can also become a safety hazard for guests, and possibly create liability if someone slips or falls. Property damage to cars in the parking lot is never fun either, so the faster your property is cleared the better.
Irrigation Winterization
To prevent damage to an expensive irrigation or sprinkler system, it is a best practice to turn the system off before any potential freeze. The pipes will also need to be cleared, so as to not freeze and crack when the cold comes. All openings into the system itself should be insulated, with either foam insulation or simply a plastic bag. This should be enough to keep your system safe and sound for the following year.
Fall Fertilization: Nutrients Through the Night
Another best practice as the winter approaches is to give your turf some nutrients to hold them through the freeze. This helps the turf to build stamina, and the dew of the fall actually helps nutrients absorb deeper. During the winter, your turf will likely recede into dormancy, but if the roots are nutrient-full, they will have no problem coming back strong. Make sure to do this earlier on in the fall, so as to not stimulate growth too close to winter.
Plant for the Spring
Although it may seem counterintuitive, you can actually use the fall to plant for the spring. This is true for bulbs, shrubs, and even trees. If they are planted in the fall, they will have time to grow in the warm soil, with unthreatening cool air.
Fall Aeration: Soil Compaction Prevention
When the freeze comes, soil compaction becomes a problem. Soil gets so tight that nutrients cannot make their way to the roots, and turf dies off. Aeration is the process of removing soil cores to open up airways, and thus airflow. Doing this before the winter comes can head off the issue before it begins.
Dream Greener Lawn & Landscape is led by a staff of service experts, each with ten years or more of professional experience, focused exclusively on lawn care & maintenance, landscaping, and snow & ice management. Locally owned and operated, we are proud to serve the greater Pittsburgh area. Give us a call today at (412) 835-1035.
