Although the desert climate of Arizona offers up some warm temperatures for most of the year, we still experience the chill of the fall and winter when they roll around. While this does not mean it is time to panic, there are some changes that you need to make in your landscape. The earlier you start your preparations for this cooling of the weather, the easier the transition will be. Rather than be caught behind the curve, you can comfortably pamper your property with these tips for late summer landscaping in preparation for fall.
Fertilization: Direct Nutrient Addition
Although it might be counterintuitive, one of the best ways to help your landscape continue growth through the fall is to add fertilizer. The growth of foliage will be slowed, but your plant material will still be working hard to develop a deep root system, and store nutrients for the winter. You can give them a boost with fertilization, and this applies to turf, shrubs, and even trees. Most lawn fertilizers contain chemical ingredients that need to be carefully administered to avoid turf damage, but at ZebraScapes we use organic fertilizers that focus on adding more of the microorganisms that your soil biology demands. This allows for better nutrient dispersion over time and enables us the opportunity to fertilize year round.
Landscape Enhancements: Add a Fire Pit
Our favorite way to spend time outdoors in the fall and winter is around the fire pit. While the temperatures might drop, there is no reason that it should prevent you from outdoor living. Assuming you already have a backyard patio or open grassy area, you can install a fire pit as the centerpiece. Adding seating, a table, or maybe even an overhead cover are all great ways to add amenities that your guests will envy.
Take Advantage of Tree Maintenance
As Arizona residents know, the months of June and July are usually some of the wettest, smack dab in the middle of monsoon season. This is one of the worst times to perform tree maintenance, as severe weather can damage your trees. Now that the climate is drying back up, this is the time to have your trees inspected. Doing it yourself is a no-go, as you need a certified arborist to take an expert look. Damaged or decayed foliage must be removed, as it poses a safety risk to everyone near the tree. This pruning process will also be good for the general health of your tree, making room for new healthy growth.
Fall Annual Installation for Pop of Color
Perennial flowers are great, and their consistent color is a must year-round. However, fall is just like every other season, and you need some annuals that will bloom. Although you may not install these until the early fall months, working with your landscaper to pick out some options now can get you ahead of the game. Instead of scrambling to replace those dead summer annuals, you will be wowing visitors to your property with your bright fall colors.
We design, build and maintain fully functioning yards that meet our client’s needs and exceed their expectations through quality, integrity, efficiency, teamwork, and relationships. Give us a call at (928) 830-4061 today and get the late summer landscaping in preparation for fall.