Your Monthly Checklist
Well, kids are officially back to school and summer is over. After prepping and maintaining your lawn during one of the hottest summers in recent history, now it’s time to prepare for the colder months. It might seem like it’s too soon to start, but trust us, what you do now is going to make a huge difference once spring rolls around.
September
Warmer soil and cooler air mix together to create the ideal conditions for root growth, so get to planting, overseeding, and mulching before snow falls.
- Planting Your Trees and Shrubs now will allow for your new plants to establish themselves in your lawn, and get healthy before a freeze.
- Aerating and Overseeding Your Lawn will relieve soil impaction, and will help the parts of your lawn that are thinner and dull grow back healthy in the spring.
- Refreshing Your Mulch will help retain moisture and get rid of pesky weeds, and of course, will keep your lawn looking fresh.
October
October is the maintenance and catch-up month!
- Continue Aeration and Overseeding: October will be your last chance to book aeration. Call us for an aeration and overseeding appointment before the cooler weather arrives.
- Begin Winter Preparation: Take time to inspect trees, remove damaged branches, clean up landscape beds, and address any drainage issues before it’s too late.
November
November is the time when leaves are going to begin to fall, and that’s when cleanup becomes most important for your lawn. Morning frost can create even more moisture for leaves, which can cause issues if not taken care of.
- Remove Fallen Leaves: A thick layer of leaves on your lawn blocks sunlight to your grass, can trap moisture, and create a space where lawn diseases can develop easier.
- Prep for Winter by removing annuals and clearing out debris!
- Finish Any Fall Projects: November is your last chance to tackle landscaping projects like planting, mulching, or drainage before the cold.
December
We’ve made it, it’s now officially winter. Your lawn may be laying dormant, but it’s still important to check in and make sure everything is still in decent shape.
- Check for Ice Damage: After heavy winds, snow, or ice, inspect your lawn for broken or damaged branches that could be a safety hazard, or damage your grass.
- Keep Off the Grass during the winter months. Frost, ice and snow will compact your grass, and stepping all over it can create mats.
- Continue Leaf Cleanup: Some trees don’t finish dropping their leaves until winter. Clearing them from your lawn helps prevent matted grass and reduces the risk of lawn disease.
January
January is a slower time for landscape maintenance, but a few simple tasks can help keep your property in good shape until spring.
- Check for Snow and Ice Damage: After winter storms, inspect trees, shrubs, and other plants for broken branches or damage caused by snow and ice. Remove heavy snow carefully if it’s safe to do so.
- Start Planning for Spring: If you’re thinking about a new landscape, drainage improvements, or lawn renovations, winter is a good time to schedule a consultation before the spring rush.
A Healthy Lawn Starts NOW
A healthy lawn starts with the work you do during these next few months, so it’s important to stay on it. However, it is a lot of work to get completed on your own. If you want your lawn to come back healthier this spring, call Stepping Stone Landscaping at (804) 338-6529 or get in touch with us on the website!
