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Lawn and Garden Tips


Your Fall chore list might seem never-ending, but make time for these five “musts” and you’ll be glad you did come spring…

1. Rake the Leaves

We know, it isn’t as much fun now as when you got to jump in them as a kid. But, clearing your lawn is an important step as you prepare your yard for the winter. If left unraked, the leaves will get matted down and smother your lawn all winter long. Don’t worry about getting every last leaf, a few left scattered will provide nutrients to the soil as they decompose.

2. Feed your lawn

If you only fertilize your lawn once a year, now is the time. Doing so now allows your lawn to soak up nutrients and maintain root health which is the best way to protect is against heat, cold, drought, insects and other stresses. Don’t wait too long to apply it, September is the optimal time!

3. Air It Out

There is no better time to aerate your lawn than in the fall after a summer of heavy use has compacted the soil which can cut off nutrients and oxygen to the roots. Aerating will allow water, air and fertilizer to get down to the soil where it is needed. Matted grass, sparse growth, pooled water, and bald spots are all signs that your lawn needs aeration.

4. Divide & Conquer

Fall is the optimal time for both planting and tending to overgrown plants. Dividing overgrown perennials now means you won’t sacrifice sprint blooms. Cutting back these plants prior to planing will help reduce the shock. Add some color to your beds next spring by planting bulbs. A little work now will add beauty and enjoyment to your yard for years to come!

5. Snow Business

There. We said it. Snow. It is coming one way or another whether you like it or not. Add prepping your snow removal equipment now will save you possible frustration after that first snowfall. Get your snowblower up and running now and find your shovels and any other equipment you need.

*Need help this year? We can plow out your Mt. Horeb area home or business for you. Contact Us for details.

Fall Projects You Can Do In the Summer


Plan Fall Projects In The Summer

Summer is the perfect time to plan any fall projects; like additional plantings, hardscapes or landscape lighting. Planning ahead will allow you to visualize your changes/additions while your garden is in full bloom. Trust Kittleson Landscape to turn your yard into a beautiful outdoor space. Contact our Design Team for an estimate! Or call 608-437-8845.

Plan Ahead for Winter Burn

Pay close attention to any plants that might have suffered from winter burn (like brown/discolored evergreens) last year. Those plants and trees might be susceptible again this year. Make sure they are receiving adequate moisture now and maintain that strategy through fall.

It’s OK to Trim Before Fall

For any DIY folks, go ahead and trim back any plants that did well this year. It’s OK to trim now if things are becoming overgrown or hanging over. Don’t be afraid to shape things up a bit.

Plant Now

If you had any plants that didn’t make it this year and have yet to be replaced, now is the time. It is best to get them in the ground now so they can establish before winter. Pricing on plants and trees are starting to be reduced at this time of year as well, so this is a great time to take advantage of that. Have a project that is more than you can handle? We’re here to help!

Buy Local

It is better to buy plants from a local nursery or grower than a big box store. Research shows plants do better in their own climate. A species grown in Colorado and sold in Wisconsin won’t do as well as the same species that grew in Wisconsin.

Hydrangeas


Spring is a great time for pruning your hydrangeas before the new growth comes in and to maintain the health of your plants. There are three types of hydrangeas: Arborescens, Macrophylla and Paniculata and each type has a different pruning method. We’ve included an example of each type to help you determine how to prune yours.

Arborescens
It is best to trim this variety all the way down to ground.

Macrophylla
Cut back the winter damage and the stems back to live buds.

Paniculata
Prune 1/3 of the shrub back into the body of the plant (not just the top). Be sure to also trim off duplicating branches.

Trimming Ornamental Grasses


Trimming back your ornamental grasses is best done in spring before new growth starts. Cool season grasses may have started to grow already, so be careful not to trim off new growth. Warm season grasses are much later to start their growth cycle, so trimming them now should be very safe. Regardless of the type of grass you have, trimming them down to  2-3 inches above ground is ideal.
Splitting Ornamental GrassesIf your ornamental grasses have grown too large, dividing them is a good idea in order to keep them healthy and thriving. To do so, trim them first and then use a spade to section them off to plant elsewhere in your yard or to share.

What is Winter Burn?


What is Winter Burn? Do you have discolored (brown) evergreens in your yard this spring? This is most likely “winter burn”. Discolored evergreens are a result of those plants not getting enough moisture from the frozen ground in the winter. As a result, the needles or leaves of evergreens dry out. When warmer weather finally appears and the ground is still frozen, moisture remaining in those already strained needles and leaves evaporates quickly causing the discoloration.

What Can You Do?

Be patient. Waiting for new growth is the best. It is safe to trim off any dead portions after new growth comes in. Be sure to keep your damaged plants well watered and re-mulch the area to maintain moisture levels. Other factors that can lead to winter burn are: years of early season ground freeze at the start of winter, salt damage from roadways, hot air from furnace and/or dryer vents, and exposure to winds.

Contact Us Today For Landscape Design and Installation