October Outdoor To-Do List
Fall is officially here! Here is a list of 15 things to remember this month:
- Plant fall annuals. Common plants that perform well in our area are Strawflower, Mums and Pansies.
- Plant trees and shrubs and spring flowering bulbs. More ideas here.
- Water in new trees and shrubs and seed. Don’t rely on the irrigation system or Mother Nature. Observe you new plants or transplants daily.
- Aerate and overseed early in the month to allow the seedlings time to germinate before winter. They will continue to reach maturity in the spring.
- Fertilize with high nitrogen fertilizer to enhance root growth which will build a strong defense as your lawn heads into the cold winter season.
- Prune dead wood from trees & shrubs. Now is a great time because you can clearly identify unproductive limbs.
- Re-establish shovel edge around the beds. The turf side should be a 90 degree angle and 45 degree bed angle.
- Mulch plants that are sensitive to cold weather. This will keep them insulated throughout the winter.
- Keep turf clear of leaves. More info here.
- Shut down irrigation system. Be mindful of watering new seeds and annuals, but also need to shut down before the first hard freeze.
- Keep mowing while grass is growing.
- Transplant deciduous trees after leaves have dropped.
- Put out fall decorations. Halloween and Thanksgiving will be here before you know it!
- Stake leaning trees. You won’t want to lose them to a winter storm.
- Review and evaluate what worked in your landscaping this year-mindful of the performance of annuals. Take photos so in the spring you have something to reflect on.
REMEMBER: The average first frost in St. Louis is 10/15-10/20.
Call Dowco if you have any questions about your site or would like assistance with your to do list!
(636) 532-9192
