Landscape Calendar

September
Slice seed, aerate and overseed bar spots in the lawn
Plant new evergreen trees and shrubs
Water plants deeply in dry weather
Schedule your fall fertilization
Start planning to protect broadleaved evergreens from deer damage and winter injury
Plant bulbs.

October
Apply deer repellent to reduce browsing
Begin removing leaves and insect and disease harboring debris
Plant and transplant deciduous shrubs.

November
Cable and brace trees to help reduce the risk of storm damage
Prune back perennials
Protect susceptible evergreen plants from winter injury and antidesiccant
Continue mowing until grass stops growing
Apply winterizer to ensure healthier, thicker lawn next spring.
Mulch boxwoods and evergreens after ground freezes

Snow Tips

Protect Plants from Salt and Snow
Salts and deicers wreak havoc on plantings. Try to avoid pushing snow that is contaminated with salt into their root zones. Try using sand or sawdust instead. Remove heavy snow from trees and shrubs.

Prevent Damage from Hungry Animals
Animals have limited options for food source and begin snacking on plants and foliage. To protect trees from mice and rabbits, place a cylinder of ½ inch mesh cloth around the trunk of your trees.

Reduce Soil Compaction by Spreading Out the Snow
Heavy piles of snow on your lawn can lead to compaction which prevents your soil from absorbing the air, water and nutrients that it needs. Try to avoid piling too much snow in one spot.

December
Protect roses, figs and perennials with burlap screens.
Prune evergreen branches for indoor winter decoration.
Remove dead and damaged limbs from trees with maintenance prune.

January
Prune late summer blooming trees, shrubs and vines.
Order roses to replace those lost or damaged
Apply follow up deer repellent.

February
Prune fruit trees to enhance fruit production.
Apply a follow up antidesiccant.
Schedule inspection of your tree cables and lightning protection systems
Schedule an appointment with your landscaper to assess landscape.

March
Complete pruning before new growth begins.
Remove all protective coverings and winter mulch.
Cut back ornamental grasses to new shoots
Schedule spring fertilization for your trees and shrubs.