NJ Landscaping Designer offers tips

Landscaping Tips by Season

• Fall
• Winter
• Spring
• Summer

Fall (September – November)

Trees and shrubs:
• Fertilize trees and shrubs using a balanced fertilizer
• Inspect for insects and disease, treating as necessary

Lawns:
• Aerate, over-seed, and apply a slow-release fertilizer to fescue grass
• Apply a high-potassium fertilizer to warm season turf
• Apply post-emergent weed-control as needed
• Inspect for insects and disease, treating as necessary
• Mow, trim, and edge lawn areas as needed
• Remove autumn leaves from lawns as necessary

Planted beds (softscapes):
• Remove leaves, weeds, sticks, debris, etc., from planted areas
• Apply post-emergent weed control as needed
• Inspect for insects and disease, treating as necessary
• Maintain flowers regularly by deadheading, weeding, and fertilizing as necessary
• Install fall flowers (such as mums) from September 15th through October 15th.
• Begin planting spring bulbs (tulips, daffodils, crocus, etc.)
• Dig up delicate bulbs for storage
• Divide and/or transplant other perennials (daylilies, iris, etc.)

Hardscapes, water features, irrigation systems, and outdoor lighting:
• Turn off and “winterize” irrigation systems before the first freeze (by October 15th)
• Drain and winterize water features (as necessary) before the first freeze (by October 15th)
• Reset automatic timers on outdoor lighting when Daylight Savings Time ends
• Inspect outdoor lighting fixtures, replacing bulbs if necessary

Additional:
• Begin the planning and designing phases for next year’s landscape projects by deciding upon an appropriate landscape design firm
• Arrange for consultants with your landscape design firm to take measurements and survey current conditions before the ground is covered with snow
• Finalize winter service contracts for snow removal, deer-netting, dormant-season pruning, etc.
• Arrange and schedule a contractor or home-repair specialist for wintertime home-improvement projects


Winter (December – February)

Trees and shrubs:
• Prune trees as needed to shape and raise the undercarriage
• Prune shrubs to allow for penetration of light and moisture
• Apply dormant oil to shrubs to reduce problems with insects during the spring and summer
• Trim crape myrtles and Liriope
• Apply post-emergent weed control as necessary.
• Begin mulch applications toward winter’s end

Lawns:
• Apply coating of lime to warm season turf
• Apply post-emergent weed-control as needed
• Inspect for insects and disease, treating as necessary
• After February 15th, apply pre-emergent weed control to entire lawn

Planted beds (softscapes):
• Remove leaves, weeds, sticks, debris, etc., from planted areas
• Apply post-emergent weed control as needed
• Cut back ornamental winter grasses as needed
• Install spring bulbs by January 15th
• Begin mulch application as weather permits
• After February 15th, apply pre-emergent weed control

Hardscapes, water features, irrigation systems, and outdoor lighting:
• Keep walkways and driveways clear of snow and ice by contracting a dependable service

Additional:
• Continue planning and designing of next year’s landscaping projects
• Begin making decisions about next year’s landscape management and maintenance contracts by collecting information and speaking with representatives from qualified landscape firms
• Finish any wintertime home-improvement projects