Getting Ready for the Fall part 2
Winterize your garden
Now is the time to start getting your soil ready for the next year’s garden. Fall is a good time to rototill the soil and spread mulch to protect your garden during the winter months. You can also spread compost to help rejuvenate the soil.
Winterize trees and shrubs
You actually want to stop watering trees and larger shrubs in the fall, as the tapering off of their water supply will help them to lose their leaves and prepare for winter. Once all the leaves have fallen, deep watering (where you water the base for a long time with a steady trickle or slow flow that will sink deep into the roots) will ensure your trees and bushes have plenty of water throughout the winter months.
Rake up fallen leaves and sweep porches and patios regularly
Don’t wait for the leaves to finish falling before your rake them up. Getting the leaves off the lawn quickly helps your grass to grow its best. Sweeping porches, patios and walkways clear the leaves regularly will help maintain your outdoor space as a comfortable place to spent nice crisp days sitting outside all season long.
I know after a long hot summer, it is probably pretty tempting to put away the lawn tools and just forget about doing any more work outside. But what you do now will not only allow you to continue enjoying your outdoor space throughout the fall, it will also help you prepare for next year, and ensure a better yard and garden in the spring.