GET YOUR YARD READY FOR AUTUMN

Prepare now for cooler weather to keep your yard healthy all year round

It may seem too soon to start thinking about autumn while still enjoying the Okanagan summer. However, we wanted to give you lots of time to tick off the chores on your list and get a jump on preparing your yard for the changing season. Follow these steps to ensure your yard will not only look well maintained but also be well-prepared to endure the cooler weather and flourish when spring arrives:

Green Scene

Aerate your lawn to improve air circulation and nutrient absorption. This process helps roots grow deeply and produces a robust lawn. After aeration, overseed your lawn to fill in bare patches and encourage a dense turf. Applying a fall fertilizer rich in potassium strengthens roots and prepares the grass for winter dormancy. Make sure you rake up fallen leaves and debris. Leaves can suffocate your grass if left unchecked, leading to bare spots. Compost the leaves or use them as mulch to enrich your soil.

Out with the old

Prune dead or diseased branches from trees and shrubs to prevent them from falling during winter storms. Remove spent annuals and vegetables from your garden beds. This reduces the risk of pests and diseases overwintering in your garden. Add compost to enrich the soil for the next growing season.

In with the new

Apply a layer of mulch around trees, shrubs, and garden beds. Mulch helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and protect plant roots from freezing. Autumn will be an excellent time to plant trees, shrubs, and perennials. The cooler temperatures and moist soil provide an ideal environment for root establishment. Plan in advance to ensure your garden centre will have what you need. Consider planting bulbs like tulips and daffodils for a burst of colour in spring.