Fall and winter mean less yard work… eventually in Cottonwood, AZ. Before taking the season off, fall cleanup is a must. Timely fall landscape cleanup promotes healthy, attractive growth throughout the year. Here’s what to put on your to-do list.
Fall Planting
Those of us with green thumbs love getting our fall planting done. When planting bulbs, find a well-drained, sunny spot in the soil. Plant several inches down (about 3x the height of each bulb). The pointed end of the bulb should face downward. Just starting your garden? You’ve got options. Plenty of plants grow well in Northern Arizona, like asters, penstemons, and desert marigolds. It’s also the best time to plant spring-bloomers like tulips and daffodils.
Have some xeriscaping? Prep it for a healthy fall. Remove dead/dying plans, clear out weeds, and prune back any overgrown shrubs. This will keep these water-wise plants green and happy throughout the fall and winter. Adding fresh mulch in the fall retains moisture and helps prevent weed growth. It also protects plant roots from the effects of temperature fluctuation while sprucing up the look of your yard and flower beds.
Irrigation Check-Up
When temperatures cool, make sure your home irrigation system is working its best. Adjust your watering schedule and method so it’s seasonally-appropriate. Drip irrigation is a great option in our area. It waters plant roots directly. Runoff and evaporation (water waste) are minimized or avoided completely. Check your system for any blockages or leaks. Schedule any necessary repairs if you notice a problem.
Debris & Leaf Clearing
Prescott and the rest of Northern Arizona may not have as many natural lawns as other areas, but those who do will still see plenty of leaves. Clearing leaves isn’t just about tidying up. Removing debris from your yard is helps prevent pests and the spread of bacteria/plant disease they carry. Yard cleanup also helps plants get adequate water and sunlight. After you rake or use your leaf-blower, we suggest composting your leaves. Leaf composting reduces waste and gives you a fresh supply of nutrient-rich mulch.
Don’t Forget Trees and Shrubs
Shrub and tree pruning are essential to maintaining their health, growth, and appearance. Fall is the perfect time to remove dead or diseased tree branches to prevent the spread of common tree diseases and encourage new growth. If you’ve never pruned before, be sure to research where and how to prune each plant, and wear protective gear while you work.
Generally, pruning any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other is appropriate. It’s also good to prune any part of the tree or shrub that blocks the rest of the plant from getting adequate light and water. If you have any doubts, don’t make any cuts. Professional tree-trimming services is the safest bet for maintaining healthy trees.
Clean-Up Piling Up? We Can Help
We all love a cool, crisp Northern Arizona fall. But keeping track of cleanup can get away from you if there’s already a lot on your plate. Zebrascapes is here to help with landscape cleanup and maintenance services you can depend on. We can prepare your yard for late fall and winter so that plants, trees, and grass will all enjoy a thriving spring. Contact us today to schedule your fall cleanup service.
