Perennials

Shhh… I’m sleeping. For most perennials, after they have been cut down for the winter, there isn’t anything more that will need to be done.

However, some perennials such as Butterfly Bush or Lavender, will benefit by adding 6-8” layer of mounding mulch material for additional insulation.

If you choose to “heal in” your perennials, you will want to make sure that that the plant is no longer green and has already died back for the season.

Shrubs

Take care to clean shrubs of fallen leaves. Any accumulation of leaves over a long period of time can lead to rot. After the leaves have fallen completely feel free to use a leaf blower to make it very easy.

If pruning escaped your list of things to do the previous month, no worries. Shrubs that haven’t formed next year’s buds already can still safely be pruned.

Lilacs and Forsythias for example are shrubs that you do not want to prune in the fall as next spring’s buds are clearly visible and if pruned now, would result in no blooms later.

Trees

If you haven’t already, mulch your trees! Mulch acts as a layer of insulation that protects the roots and keeps the tree happy all winter. This especially rings true for arborvitaes.

In addition to mulch, another layer of protection that can be done for trees, shrubs, and perennials that seem to struggle during winter months is applying an application of Wilt Stop.

Derived from pine resin, once applied a soft, clear, and flexible film forms helping to protect the plant from drying out, winter burn, winter kill, and salt damage.

Although it is safe for most plants, arborvitae, junipers, and cypress should be avoided. For the application to be successful, it must be applied before freezing temperatures. Wilt Stop isn’t just for your outdoors.

If you prefer real Christmas trees, applying Wilt Stop before the tree is decorated, will assist in preventing moisture loss and premature needle drop.

Although our garden is center is closed until November 25th, Wilt Stop can be obtained sooner by setting up an appointment to purchase.

Lawn

Your lawn should now be dormant, and much like you when you’re sleeping it just wants to be left alone. There is no need to water, fertilize, or treat for weeds.

If you choose to install lawns late in the season like in the picture, it will more than likely be dormant seeded. This means the seed will not grow until the next growing season. Take care not to disturb this area over the winter.

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.

Shrubs

Some shrubs should be pruned to the desired shape in the fall.

While you are out doing fall leaf clean-up cut away old branches and cut to the desired shape.

Stop into the nursery for more information on which shrubs can be pruned now.

Lawn

Summer is coming to end, and it is time to put away the lawn mower. Before doing so, we highly recommend winterizing your rig. If any gas is left in the tank add a winterizer so it stays fresh through the winter. It would also be a good time to scrape any leftover debris from the bottom of the mower deck.

If your lawn needs a little boost, applying a fertilizing treatment this fall will help. If you are not already on our list, stop in today and find out how you can be added.

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.

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.

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.

Shrubs

In times of little rainfall, shrubs may need to be given some extra water. When in doubt, insert a finger a few inches below the surface. If the soil feels dry, then it is okay to water.

For more accurate readings of moisture in the soil try using a moisture meter. Moisture meters are relatively cheap and can be found at most box stores.

As an extra precaution during the drier months, apply Wilt Stop to both newly planted and established plants. This follicular spray forms a clear flexible film when applied to help to prevent moisture loss.

Make sure to read the instructions completely before applying as some plants should be avoided. Wilt Stop comes in different sizes and can be purchased at our nursery.

Lawn

Although you may have done so prior to the lawn care season, making sure to maintain your mower by keeping it clean and the blades sharp, is a must.

Keeping the housing free of grass accumulations is important as it can accumulate around the blades and become dangerous.

If your mower does have grass build-up, be sure to scrape out the blade housing to remove the accumulation.

Inspect blades for dullness and sharpen accordingly as cutting with dull blades will cause unsightly cut patterns in the lawn. As with regular mower maintenance, regular lawn inspection is important.

Be proactive, take some time to walk around your yard to look for any anomalies. Do you see any dead patches? Are there any areas of your yard that you think would benefit from new turf? If the answer is yes, then now is the time.

For any questions about whether you should seed an area or have sod installed stop by the nursery and speak with one of our Garden Center employees. Together, we can help decide what is right for you.

Shrubs

If installing a potted plant purchased at Heritage Hill Nursery, there is no need to fertilize. All of our potted plants are treated with high quality slow-release fertilizer to help them thrive throughout the season.

If you do choose to fertilize, be careful to follow all instructions on the label, as some products can burn the plant if used incorrectly. Some fertilizers can be used in conjunction with a slow-release fertilizer and will not harm your plant but give it an extra boost.

At the nursery when we find some plants that need a little extra love, we give them either a dose of Monty’s PlantVantage or SUPERthrive. They are both in concentrated form and a little bit goes a long way.

Lawn

Keep on watering, in the height of summer many lawns require some help staying hydrated. If needed, reapply fertilizers and herbicides now.

Never apply to lawns that are too dry and not maintained well as seen in the picture. It will kill your lawn!

Shrubs

Blooming shrubs such as lilacs should be blooming, there is only a small blooming period so be sure to “stop and smell the lilacs”. If your heart is set on lilacs but you dread the shortened blooming period, consider planting a reblooming lilac, such as the “Bloomerang.” Similar in size as other dwarf species, this lilac variety will bloom again in the summer.

Lawn

In times of drought make sure to keep your lawn watered to prevent dormancy.

Keep an eye out for dead patches and grass that pulls up very easily. This can indicate grubs growing in the soil and eating the roots of your lawn. If left untreated grubs can destroy entire lawns.