Landscaping Late in the Year
It’s Not Too Late for a Landscape Project this Year
Though enthusiasm for landscape projects is usually at its peak in spring with the arrival of warm weather, fall is actually one of the best times to take on major landscape improvements. If you start planning now, you will still have time to finish most or all of the design changes you may have been thinking about over the summer.
Planting in the Fall
Garden centres and plant nurseries may have more sales in the spring when flowers start to bloom, but for most plant species, fall is a better season for planting. Trees, shrubs and perennials planted in the fall have all of the winter months to continue their root growth. When the above ground parts of a plant are not actively growing, more energy can be directed toward the roots. As the roots become better established over the winter, the plant will be ready for spring and less likely to suffer under the stress of changing seasons.
Take advantage of this by planting some shade trees or renovating an existing planting bed. If you get the structure of your planting design in place this fall, you can always add some annuals or ornamental accents when spring comes around.
Fall Landscape Construction
Cool weather is an excellent time for landscape construction. Many large scale construction projects are planned to start as early as possible in spring, but there are good reasons to do your project in fall. After the first round of fall planting projects, landscapers are still looking for work to complete before winter takes hold. Hardscape projects that involve interlocking pavers, concrete, stone or wood are less dependent on ideal weather conditions than planting projects. As long as the ground is not frozen or soggy, work can proceed.
If you want a new stone or interlocking paver patio, terrace or walkway, there is time to complete it this year. With construction complete, it will be ready to enjoy on the first day of nice weather next year. If you wait until spring to begin your landscaping project, summer may be halfway gone before you get a chance to use your new patio.
Phased Landscape Projects
Some landscape projects are better completed over several seasons than all at once. It may be the size of the project or budget reasons that help you decide this. For large projects, think about starting the first phase of landscape improvements this year. You can do underground work such as wiring for landscape lighting, drainage or irrigation and wait until next year for the next phase.
If you have a big planting project in mind, plant the large trees this fall. The smaller plants, which are less dependent on winter for root growth, can be added in early spring. Don’t forget that fall is the best time of year for lawn renovation work. Aerate, topdress and overseed your lawn now and it will be lush and green for spring.
Start planning now for the landscape projects you would still like to get done in your yard this year. More than likely, the work can be finished before winter, but it is best not to delay. Even if you just want to arrange for The Gardener’s winter snow removal service, plan now while the weather is warm.
Contact The Gardener today to get started.
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