21 Oct Time For a Clean-Up? It’s Fall!
Let’s get your property ready for winter, reduce pests and diseases, and set yourself up for a healthy spring.
Time and planning
Fall on Long Island is generally mild through October, but frosts become more regular in late October and early November. A good recommendation is to wait until after a hard freeze before cutting back many perennials, so you don’t damage living stems prematurely.
TIP: For DIY enthusiasts: It is advisable to stretch and warm up before raking and doing yard work. The bending, twisting, digging, and pulling can put a strain on you. This article outlines some things you can do to prevent injury.
Leaf and debris cleanup
The first step is to remove fallen leaves. It is essential to gather leaves to prevent thick layers that can smother grass, trap moisture, and encourage the growth of mold or pests. However, don’t rake all the leaves. Leaves left in the right places can be beneficial. Whether you use a rake, blower, or a mower with a mulching deck, make sure your tools are in good shape and ready to go. When we perform fall clean-ups for our customers with many trees on their property, we sometimes shred (or mulch) many of the leaves, allowing them to act as a light winter mulch.
Prune, cut back, and clear perennials
Once perennials have died back, cut them down to a few inches above the soil and remove any diseased foliage. If you are experiencing some overcrowding, then divide perennials before planting or replanting. Trim dead or broken branches from shrubs and trees, and remove twigs and sticks that have collected in beds.
TIP: Don’t cut hostas too early!
Aeration, fertilizing, and overseeding
Aerating your lawn in the fall helps relieve compaction, allowing water and nutrients to penetrate more effectively. Yes, it can be a chore, but doing it provides a fantastic improvement to your turf. Contact us here or at 631-728-5815, and we’ll take care of it for you.
After aeration, applying a “winterizing” fertilizer will help strengthen roots over winter. If you have bare or thinning patches, fall is a good time to overseed.
Gutters
If you’re feeling extra industrious, this is a good time to clean out gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris.
Mulch and winter protection
Add a light layer of mulch (such as shredded leaves) to garden beds to insulate the roots, suppress weeds, and retain moisture.
Wrapping vulnerable plants, young trees, or shrubs with burlap or protective fabric will shield your plants from wind and freeze cycles.
Now, Enjoy the Wonderful Autumn on Eastern Long Island
Well, that’s it for a brief guide on what to do to ensure your yard is tidy, resilient, and better prepared for spring. And remember, we can do it for you. Now, go and enjoy October! Click here for more tips!