Fall has arrived! As of September 22, 2021, the summer season is officially over here in Canada. However, before we switch out the summer décor for pumpkins and bales of hay, it is essential to ensure you are fully equipped with the necessary landscaping supplies that will help contribute to your fall landscape. When preparing and maintaining your landscape for fall, you are simultaneously preparing for winter as well. A well-cared-for landscape will thrive throughout the colder months and flourish come spring. Therefore, fall landscaping is as important as any other season. While you gather the necessary landscaping supplies, it is essential to keep in mind the three main tasks. The three main tasks that should be addressed are drainage, lawn care, and weed maintenance.

You may ask why drainage is an important aspect of the landscape to address for the fall season?  Suppose you have not maintained a proper drainage system throughout the spring and summer months. Precipitation in the form of ice, rain, sleet, and snow can collect or runoff and damage the existing landscape design. Therefore, in order to prevent drowning, erosion, and flooding, various methods are put in place to support heavy precipitation. Proper drainage will re-direct the water away from structures, landscaped areas, and delicate plant life. Dry water beds and drainage pipes are excellent solutions to support heavy precipitation and water runoff. To create an aesthetically pleasing dry water bed, try using riverstone, pea gravel, clear gravel, terra stone brick chips, or clear limestone.

To ensure any landscape survives during the fall and winter months, lawn maintenance is essential. Falls cooler temperatures and moisture levels are perfect for fertilizing and laying a healthy application of high-quality grass seed. Applying grass seeds during early fall will ensure proper germination. In addition to cooler weather, fall is famously known for its warm and inviting colours. As the leaves begin to drop from the treetops, it is essential to clear the fallen leaves from the landscape. It is also necessary to dispose of them correctly. Piles of leaves left on the lawn may add to the beauty of the fall season. However, this will smother the lawn and cause brown or yellow patches which will prevent growth come spring.  At FSI Landscape Supply, we recommend manure or mushroom compost to support a healthy lawn. We suggest contacting our team at FSI Landscape Supply to determine which grass seeds are best for your turf.

Weed maintenance is a tedious task no matter the season. However, it is essential to take care of any existing weeds and prevent future spread. Just as plant life and turf lay dormant during the colder months, weeds lay dormant just the same. To help control any future weed infestations, mulch and filter fabric are excellent for keeping weeds at bay. Mulch decomposes over time. Therefore adding a fresh layer of mulch in the fall will prevent sunlight while allowing moisture to seep through. Filter fabric (also known as landscaping fabric) is placed under decks, underneath garden beds, and under patios. Filter fabric will block out the sunlight, which prevents growth but is porous enough to allow moisture through. Either method works or you may choose to combine them.

The landscaping supplies mentioned in today’s article can be found at FSI Landscape Supply. Contact us today and be ready for this fall season!