Shrubs

September is an opportune time to strategically plan for a vibrant fall color palette in your garden or landscape. Consider incorporating shrubs with rich hues, such as Barberry, Burning Bush, and Viburnum for shades ranging from red to orange. For a touch of purple, Dogwood is an excellent choice, while Roses and Witch Hazel can add a burst of yellow to your garden.

To maintain a healthy environment for your shrubs, it’s essential to clear out your shrub beds. This not only eliminates habitats for unwanted animals but also minimizes the risk of damage to adjacent plants. Make sure to remove fallen leaves and dead foliage, as this proactive measure can help prevent disease in the upcoming growing season.

For rose enthusiasts, allowing the blooms to remain on the plants can offer added winter protection. However, it’s advisable to refrain from fertilizing any newly planted shrubs until the following spring.

Explore the diverse selection of shrubs available at Heritage Hill Nursery today to enrich your garden with captivating fall colors.

Lawn

Looking to Sow Grass Seed? September is Your Ideal Month! Whether you’re starting a new lawn, patching up bare spots, or renovating an existing lawn, September offers the optimal conditions for grass seed planting. The combination of cooler temperatures and warm soil creates an ideal environment for quick germination and strong root establishment before winter arrives.

However, it’s advisable to complete your planting by September 20th. Planting later than this date is considered late-season sowing, and the grass may not have enough time to establish itself before winter, risking potential damage or loss.

Take advantage of September’s favorable conditions to give your lawn a lush, healthy start.

Shrubs

Ever heard the expression, “Killing with kindness”? Without meaning to, sometimes people while watering, do just that. When outside, take a moment to check all plants for signs of water stress. Plants that are over watered will suffer root rot, while shallow-watered plants will be more susceptible to drought.

If mulch wasn’t already replenished this season, replenish with a 2-to-3-inch layer. Do not bury the crowns.

Since August is typically a warmer month, hold off on applying fertilizer. It will be safer to fertilize in the cooler months.

Trees

As with shrubs, if mulch hasn’t already been spread now is a good time. Mulching helps prevent moisture loss and since August is usually a hot month, applying a 2-to3-inch layer around the base of your trees, making sure that you taper the mulch away from the base, will be beneficial.

Allowing the mulch to pile up against the bark, otherwise known as the volcano effect, causes the bark to stay moist. The softening of the bark as a result of the constant moisture can lead to disease and eventually kill the tree. Although the addition of mulch will help prevent moisture loss, sometimes it may be necessary to lay a hose with a slow but steady water flow, about a foot away from the trunk, for about 20-30 minutes.

However, wilted leaves aren’t always a sure sign that a tree needs water if the tree has been watered on a regular basis. As the temperature and humidity change, leaves draw water from the root system to release through their pores. When the sun gets too hot, leaves can’t take up and release water fast enough, and they wilt.

Lawn

Have you noticed your lawn mower getting clogged up with grass clippings? After a few months of mowing regularly, it is important to check on the undercarriage of your mower.

New models now have convenient areas to attach a hose. Once the hose is connected, turn it on and wait while the water flushes out the season’s clippings.

If your machine doesn’t have that availability, then you will have to either remove the mower deck or if using a push mower, just turn to its side and scrape off the caked-on clippings.