Perennials
If you have not already, fertilize your plants to give them the best chance of surviving the winter months. With the hotter months behind us, regular watering should not be needed unless temperatures rise above 80.
Shrubs
When planting anytime from now until the ground freezes, it is extremely important to break up larger chunks of dirt. Otherwise, air pockets can form near the root system during the planting process. Although seemingly harmless, these pockets can fill up with water that will eventually freeze and effectively kill the plant.
Trees
We at Heritage Hill Nursery Inc., recommend planting new trees in fall. The cooler temperatures are better for the plant and make upkeep much easier for the homeowner. When planting be sure to plant high enough, so root flare is exposed and keep mulch away from the trunk. If the tree is planted too low, it can develop “Stem Girdling” roots which acts as a noose around the trunk and can suffocate the tree. These roots also make the tree much more susceptible to being blown over at the base by wind.
Lawn
In cooler climates such as Wisconsin, late summer to early fall is a suitable time to consider detaching your lawn. Thatch is a built-up layer of grass clipping, twigs, and other waste. A thick thatch layer prevents water, fertilizer, and herbicide from reaching the soil, and when water or chemicals are applied they simply run-off. If your lawn is healthy and the thatch layer is under 1”, dethatching will probably not be necessary.
However, if the layer is over 1”, to safeguard for a healthier lawn next year, dethatching would be recommended.
After thatching, overseeding is typically the next step to ensure the best results.
Not sure how to proceed or have questions? Stop by Heritage Hill Nursery Inc., and one of our representatives will be able to assist you.
