Sep 09in GENERAL
Get Ready for Fall in the Pacific Northwest!
The Pacific Northwest is known for many things, our vast amount of trees accounts for one of those things that make it so beautiful come the season of Fall. Some don’t realize how important trees are to our survival. Trees provide us with abundance shade, clean air, and beautiful fall colors. Trees also provide an abundance of fallen leaves which can render themselves a nuisance if not cared for properly. If left unattended to leaves can clog drains which can cause flooding. The flooding can cause damage to your roof, lawns, decks, and walkways.
Periodically throughout the season you should either rake or blow your leaves into piles to be disposed of. If you have a new home and your landscape has not fully matured, you should still rake up the leaves to avoid rot.
With Fall time approaching it is also a good time to trim perennials, as well as cut back your trees. With the lack of leaves, you can see the structure of the trees' branches easier and shape them according to your preference.
With the onset of the colder months, it is also a good idea to aerate, thatch, and seed your lawn. If you have a new home and you have just planted sod, you will still need to aerate. Finish off with a Fall fertilizer which will ensure a greener lawn next spring. Lime is a common ingredient in Winter fertilizers but the addition of lime in your Fall fertilizer has also proved beneficial.
Mulch or bark can brighten the landscape but other than aesthetic benefits is also offers protection from freezing for delicate perennials and shrubs. Mulch and bark will also deter any unwanted plants or weeds.
An absolute requirement that should never be overlooked is turning off your irrigation system and blowing out your sprinkler system. This will prevent a winter freezing breakage that can lead to flooding, which will cause damage and a costly repair. Do not overlook your outdoor faucets and hose bibs either. These can also freeze and cause a pipe to burst. Bib covers are inexpensive and are relatively cheap to install. They can be purchased at any hardware store and they can ward off winter freezing as well.
Now your yard is winterized and ready for the Northwest Winter!