Winter’s chill may be on the horizon, but it’s not too late to ensure your Fisher’s landscape is prepared for the season. At The Noll Landscape Group, we know that even with your busy schedule, you still want to maintain a beautiful outdoor space. We’ve helped countless families with landscape maintenance and can offer some tips and tricks for preparing your property for the coming winter. In this guide, we’ll explore four valuable tips to help you winterize your property and protect its beauty throughout the colder months
1. Rake up Remaining Leaves
As the vibrant colors of autumn fade, the leaves tumble to the ground, creating a picturesque scene. But leaving those fallen leaves untouched can spell trouble for your lawn. These lush layers can block essential sunlight, hindering your grass’s health and its ability to resist disease. There are two primary methods to address this issue:
Mulching
Redistribute the leaves back into your lawn to enrich the soil and save you from the laborious task of raking.
Raking
For a more direct approach, consider investing in a good rake and tarp. Timing is key. Whenever possible, aim to do the task when the leaves are dry.
2. Mulch Perennials
Perennials are the backbone of your landscape, but they need special attention as winter approaches. Fishers’ climate can bring about frost heaving, where freezing and thawing soil can push plants out of the ground, particularly new ones with shallow roots. To prevent this, follow these steps:
Insulate
After the ground freezes, add a generous six-inch-thick layer of mulch around your perennials. This provides insulation and moderates soil temperature during harsh winters, especially when snow cover is inconsistent.
Leave the Leaves
Sometimes, the plant’s dead leaves act as a natural shield. Leave them be until spring.
3. Spread Organic Material around the Base of Trees
Don’t forget about the trees! As the ground freezes, it’s crucial to spread organic material around the tree. We suggest chopped leaves or mulch up to six inches thick. This practice keeps the soil moist, as plants still require water during winter, and protects tree roots from the rigors of freezing and thawing. Remember these additional tree-care tips:
Tip 1: Trim away damaged or diseased limbs to prevent snow and wind from worsening these issues.
Tip 2: For young evergreens in exposed areas, consider shielding them from drying winter winds with burlap screens or shade cloth shelters.
4. Dig up Tender Bulbs
While fall is the perfect time to plant hardy spring-blooming bulbs, certain plants, known as tender bulbs, won’t survive Fishers’ winter. Gladiolus, cannas, and dahlias are examples of these summer bloomers. To ensure their survival, follow these steps:
Time It Perfectly
Wait until the frost has turned the leaves brown, then gently dig up the bulbs or tubers. Remove soil but avoid washing them; excess moisture can lead to rot during storage.
Store Them Properly
Label them so you remember what they are. A simple trick is to write the name of each bulb. Then, pack them in a breathable container, such as a cardboard box, surrounded by sawdust or old newspapers. Store them in a place that stays below 45°F but doesn’t freeze.
As winter approaches, it’s the perfect time to get your landscape in top shape for the season. And if you don’t have time to do landscape maintenance on your yard, The Noll Landscape Group is here to help you. We also provide landscape design services and more.
Contact us at (317) 841-7559 or schedule a consultation online today, and let’s work together to maintain your Fisher’s landscape before it becomes a winter wonderland.
