As the leaves turn and the air chills, autumn is your signal to don those gloves and get to work in the garden. The season’s mild weather is ideal for outdoor tasks, and to help you transition from leisure to labor, we’ve crafted an all-encompassing checklist for your fall cleanup. Progress through these tasks and lay the groundwork for a lush and vibrant lawn come spring.
Table of Contents
1. TIDYING THE GARDEN BEDS
Start your garden’s autumn rejuvenation by tackling the most challenging task of your fall cleanup first. Arm yourself with a bag designated for garden refuse and begin the purge of exhausted blooms, past-season vegetables, and intrusive weeds. Trim back perennials to their base, clearing away the season’s accumulation of leaves and plant remnants from the earth’s canvas. With the space cleared, bestow upon the soil a gift of new compost, mixing it thoroughly to infuse vitality. To conclude, shield your enduring plants and shrubs with a cozy blanket of mulch, safeguarding them against the winter’s embrace.
2. LEAF COLLECTION IN FALL
Leaf gathering is a vital part of fall cleanup in Calgary. Frequent, light raking or a mulching mower with a bag can make the task easier. Calgary offers free leaf and yard waste pickup, aiding your autumn efforts. Visit “calgary.ca/waste/drop-off/yard-waste.html” for more info. Ergonomic rakes also enhance efficiency, perfect for creating composting material.
3. THATCH MANAGEMENT
A hidden layer of expired grass builds up over time, nestled between the vibrant blades above and the soil beneath. Left unchecked, this thatch can harbor pests and diseases, stifling new seedlings before they even have a chance to sprout. The early autumn period is prime for dethatching and a very imporant part to fall cleanup. To assess the need, excavate a small turf sample from an inconspicuous area of your lawn. Should you discover the thatch exceeds ¾ of an inch, it’s time to wield a thatching rake. Work through the lawn, breaking up and collecting the debris, ready for disposal in yard waste bags.
4. SOIL AERATION
As seasons pass, your lawn’s soil becomes denser from the constant press of gravity, rainfall, and the patter of footsteps. Aeration is the breath of life for compacted turf, enhancing subterranean air circulation. This process welcomes oxygen deep into the earth and carves pathways for seeds and nutrients to reach beneath the thatch. For a rejuvenated lawn, consider enlisting a professional aeration service or acquire a manual aerator from a local gardening store to do it yourself.
5. NURTURING WITH FALL FERTILIZER
For a lawn that’s the envy of the neighborhood come spring, a tailored fall fertilizer is key and important for any fall cleanup. It’s all about storing up the nourishment that will fuel next year’s growth. In Calgary, where the climate can be challenging, a fertilizer that’s rich in phosphorus is ideal for autumn application. A granular blend with an NPK ratio that supports robust root development and prepares your grass for a vigorous comeback is recommended. Look for a product that’s popular among local green thumbs, ensuring it’s suited to the unique soil and environmental conditions of the region.
6. GUTTER MAINTENANCE
Ensuring your gutters are free from debris is crucial for safeguarding your home’s foundation from water damage. The optimal moment for this chore is the latter part of fall, post-leaf fall, guaranteeing minimal subsequent accumulation. A clear gutter system is vital for efficiently directing away both rainfall and the thaw of winter snows.
7. SHRUB AND TREE MAINTENANCE
A gentle touch is all that’s needed for your greenery at this time. Hold off on the full pruning until the spring’s thaw, but don’t ignore branches that have succumbed to disease or death. With shears cleansed and disinfected, carefully remove any detrimental twigs or branches, ensuring your plants remain healthy and well-groomed throughout the winter dormancy.
8. IRRIGATION SYSTEM DRAINAGE
Combining garden hoses and pipes with sub-zero temperatures can lead to a costly mishap. With the unpredictability of early frosts, it’s wise to act promptly. Shut off the water supply to your outdoor irrigation systems and expel any stagnant water without delay. Employ the drainage valves on your sprinklers and utilize an air compressor for your hoses to ensure they are devoid of any remaining water. This preemptive measure will help avoid any freeze-related damage.
9. FINAL LAWN TRIMMING
A last mow of the season sets the stage for a tidy winter slumber. Keeping the grass short wards off unwelcome guests, such as rodents, who might otherwise take refuge in the shelter of long grass beneath the snow’s blanket. A neat trim ensures your lawn is prepared for the snowy months ahead.
