Apple cider, pumpkins… and property maintenance?? No matter where you live in the U.S., fall is an ideal time to address a number of needs around your property. But if you call western Washington your home, fall chores are particularly important for getting your yard and property in shape before the winter wind storms and rain close in. With this in mind, here are 5 important fall projects to help get your property ready for the season.
1. Limb Branches & Clear Away Brush
Fall is an excellent time of year for homeowners to limb branches and trim hedges. More so, because the leaves are falling, it is easier to identify which branches and areas need your attention. As trees and shrubs enter dormancy in the fall, they direct less energy toward new growth which is why pruning during this time helps to minimize stress on plants, allowing them to heal more efficiently before the spring growth spurt. It can also help promote more foliage and bigger blooms in the spring. Another important reason to limb and prune after the growing season is over is to reduce the risk of spreading disease and pests as pathogens are less active in cooler temperatures which means there’s a lower chance of infection entering a plant through the fresh cuts.
Finally, removing dead or weak branches now can help prevent potential property damage to buildings and power lines during western Washington’s notable winter storms.
Don’t forget to green recycle your yard debris at Lenz Enterprises. If you have a big job, request a Drop Box to make cleanup easier!
2. Fertilize Your Lawn
Fertilize in the fall?? Yep! While we look forward to enjoying our yards in the summer, the heat, lack of water, and heavier foot traffic can all take a toll on your lawn’s health. Fertilizing in the fall replenishes critical nutrients and repairs damage, balancing the growth cycle for a stronger, more resilient lawn. The nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium directs more energy toward root growth to strengthen your lawn’s root system before winter, helping it to better withstand the cold temperatures. Plus, in early spring when grass is coming out of dormancy it will need and use the extra energy reserves.
Last but not least, another benefit of a well-fertilized lawn is that it has more energy to outcompete weeds and resist diseases. By fertilizing your lawn in the fall, you reduce the likelihood of weed infestations and diseases that can happen in winter or early spring.
3. Amend Your Garden Soil with Compost
Compost is rich in nutrients and organic matter and adding compost to your garden this time of year helps improve soil structure by increasing its ability to retain moisture and promoting better aeration which prepares the soil to handle the wet conditions of winter. It also helps insulate the soil, keeping it warmer for longer which can extend the growing season for late crops and protect plant roots from early frost.
Another benefit of adding compost in the fall is that it provides time to improve the soil’s pH through the winter, leading to a better growing environment. Organisms from the compost will thrive and multiply over the winter, creating a healthier soil ecosystem by spring.
By incorporating compost into your soil in the fall, you set the stage for healthier plants, improved soil structure, and better overall garden productivity when the growing season begins.
Our premium GreenBlenz Compost and GreenBlenz Compost Organic are made right here in Stanwood, WA. using advanced technology that results in a superior product to nourish gardens and farms throughout the pacific northwest.
4. Mulch Landscapes & Flowerbeds
Twice a year we mulch: once in the spring and once in the fall. Mulching your landscape and flowerbeds provides numerous benefits both immediately and throughout the winter. Mulch acts as an insulating layer, helping to regulate soil temperature. Similar to compost, it keeps the soil warmer for longer, which protects plant roots from early frosts and extends the growing season for some plants. It can also maintain more temperate soil temperatures, reducing the risk of freeze-thaw cycles that can damage plant roots, making it a great layer to protect trees and perennials from harsh winter weather.
Other benefits include moisture retention, weed suppression and erosion prevention. Plus, it provides an aesthetic appeal that helps keep your property looking good all year long. Organic mulch can also help enrich the soil as it decomposes. This is especially true of our Lenz Mulch which is a specially formulated blend of fine bark and our GreenBlenz Compost.
By mulching in the fall, you not only protect your plants and soil through the winter but also set the stage for a healthier and more vibrant garden in the spring.
5. Patch Potholes & Re-Gravel Your Driveway
If you have a gravel driveway, now is the time to patch any potholes or ruts from spring and summer use and re-gravel it before the rains come. Fall rains can cause significant erosion on driveways, especially those that are already worn or thin. Re-graveling helps to create a stable surface that resists erosion, preventing gravel from being washed away and reducing the need for future maintenance. New gravel improves drainage and reduces the risk of water pooling and freezing. When done properly, re-graveling in the fall allows new gravel to settle over the winter and the natural freeze and thaw cycles will help to compact the gravel, creating a more stable and long-lasting surface that should hold up better under the weight of vehicles and the stresses of winter weather. It also creates more traction to provide better grip for your tires during those early icy mornings.
Re-graveling your driveway in the fall not only addresses any existing issues but also ensures it remains functional, safe, and attractive throughout the season.
If you have potholes to repair, our recent blog provides a step-by-step guide to fix them, providing recommendations for the type of gravel you’ll need. When it comes to re-graveling your driveway, give us a call and we can help guide you to the best kind of gravel to suit your terrain.
Thanks for Reading!
If you found this article helpful, get to know us by following Lenz Enterprises on Facebook and Instagram. We regularly provide education about soil, compost, and Earth materials, gardening advice and plenty of humor too! If you’re located in western Washington and need gravel, compost, mulch, soil, or sand, give us a call 360-629-2933, we’re here to help!