Brrr, the big chill is soon upon us.  Time to get your yard ready for hibernation.  Here are 5 things to do to prepare your yard for the snow:

·        Mow and water the lawn, grasscycle

Water – grass may be growing more slowly, but it is putting energy into building the root system and still needs regular waterings

Mow – continue to mow so that water and sunlight can reach the plant

Grasscycle – leave grass clippings on the lawn to help your lawn become stronger and healthier

·        Fill in bald spots, control the weeds and fertilize

Fill in bare spots now with a grass patch repair kit, fertilize with some weed and feed to kill the weeds and give much needed nutrients to the grass over the winter.

·        Prune, mulch and transplant perennials

Prune back perennials to protect their extremities from extreme weather.  Place mulch around the roots to help insulate them.  If you need to transplant, do it now to give the root systems time to develop before the ground freezes.

·        Clean up annuals

Once your annuals stop producing leaves or flowers, they can be pulled from your garden and flower beds.  Plants are easier to pull out before the long winter has wilted them, plus it will make your yard look much neater.

·        Rake the fallen leaves

Leaves left on the grass during snow can suffocate it in the spring when snow melts.  They can also cause mold and fungal infections in your yard.  Rake them up as soon as they fall and compost them or dispose of them with your other yard waste.

 By doing this every fall, you can look forward to a gorgeous yard and less work in the spring.  Now go and enjoy a pumpkin spice latte, you deserve it!