In the spring, landscape maintenance is all about preparing plants to face the brutally hot and dry Indiana summers. At this time of year however, the opposite is needed. Our plants are getting ready to face the harshness of winter, setting strong roots that will lead to vibrant new growth in the spring. Now is the time to ensure your landscape is put to bed properly so it will wake up happy and healthy. The following are some to-dos between now and snow season:

Trim Your Trees

Tree trimming on Deciduous trees is best done after dormancy in fall. Nutrients have settled in the roots, fruit is no longer active and for some, the leaves are gone. Now is the perfect time to cut back dead elements or overgrowth cleanly.

Clean Up Landscape Beds

At this time of year, landscape bed cleaning means taking plants out rather than putting them in. Removing dead foliage helps keep pests and diseases at bay over the winter and into early spring. A gentle touch is important at this time of year. Rather than roughly breaking up winter freeze like you do in the spring, you are tucking in your plants for the long winter ahead.

Manage Leaf Debris

Contrary to what you may have heard, leaf debris is not always a good option for mulching your landscape beds. Leaves become wet and slimy during these cold months, causing rot and inviting insects to the foundation of your home. Too many leaves can also smother plants come spring. Leaves can be a fine mulch, but be sure to use them properly and avoid piling them on your home’s foundation.

Feed with Fertilizer

At Eagleson Landscape Company, we suggest putting down a slow-release fertilizer after the plant world has gone to sleep – about mid-October to around Thanksgiving, depending upon the weather. The key here is that while their tops are dormant, the ground is still warm so all of the plants’ energy is going to their roots. Fertilizing them now encourages good root growth throughout the season. After a couple of good frosts, work some fertilizer into the root zone for your plants to use before the ground fully freezes. Remnants will be there in spring when everybody wakes up (hence the slow-release, long-lasting fertilizer suggestion), encouraging health and vibrancy.

Now is the time to begin putting your landscape to bed for the winter. Send us an email or give us a call at (317) 997-4803 if you would like some professional landscape maintenance advice or assistance.