Time seems to be flying by. It’s hard to believe that December is already here and the holidays are coming up quickly. Before you get caught up in the festivities, there are a few lawn and garden chores you should do before winter.
Watering
The last tool you should put away for the winter is your hose. After the trees have dropped their leaves, but before the ground freezes, give your shrubs, evergreens and deciduous trees a final deep watering to last through the winter. To ensure you water all the roots thoroughly, water under the entire canopy of branches and a little beyond.
When you have finished watering, unhook and drain the hose. After it has dried out, put the ends together to prevent insects from moving in for the winter. Store the hose in a dry place off the ground.
Leaf Removal
If you have not addressed the leaves on your grass yet, now is a good time to take care of them. A thick covering of leaves left on your lawn is bad for the health, growth and appearance of your lawn. If you need help, please contact Grass Roots for an estimate.
Over on our blog, “Grass Clippings” we have an entry on leaf management. The article gives several options for fall leaves, including suggestions on how to use your leaves to add nutrients to the soil. Also, a fun and easy method to create excellent soil in your garden beds – Lasagna Gardening.
Prepare Equipment and Tools for Winter Storage
Following the recommendations in the owner’s manual attend to the fuel, oil, batteries, cleaning, blade sharpening, etc. Cover and store in a dry place.
Wash, remove rust and disinfect garden tools. Oil the surfaces and store in a dry location.
Check Your Winter Equipment
Before it gets too cold, take the time to check on your winter equipment. Find your snow scrapers and put one in each car. Find and inspect your snow shovels. Replace if necessary. If you have a snow blower, make sure that it is in good working order.
Visit our website: www.Grassrootslawnandlandscaping.com for more seasonal tips.
Soil Testing
Soil Testing is important. The test will tell you the current pH of your soil. It will also tell you if your soil is lacking nutrients and if so, it will recommend what amendments you need. Testing your soil is the only way you will know what your soil needs to ensure your grass will grow in the best possible environment.
Don’t guess what your soil needs. Grass Roots can have your soil tested for you. We come and take several samples and send them off to Way Point Analytical Labs. They will send back detailed results with recommendations. We will go over the details of the test with you. Contact us if you would like more information. Big box stores also offer DIY testing kits.
Grass Roots in the Community
We are proud that we have been involved with a special local charitable organization, The Fairy Godmother Project since 2011. The FGP helps families in the Fredericksburg area that have a child battling pediatric cancer. The first part of their mission is to give the gift of time. They do this by easing the burden of domestic tasks by providing cooking, cleaning, lawn care, running errands, etc. Thus, freeing up time for the families to be together. They also offer emotional and financial support by supplying gas and grocery cards and helping pay bills.
The second part of their mission is to provide the families with photo sessions donated by professional photographers.
Over the years we have provided lawn care free of charge, to many of the families in the Fairy Godmother Project. It has been an honor to help these strong families during such a difficult time.
At this time of year, you may be looking for a deserving organization to contribute to or to volunteer your time. This is a wonderful group worthy of your consideration. We respectfully ask that you consider the Fairy Godmother Project. Thank you. www.fairygodmotherproject.org
Warmest Greetings from the entire team at Grass Roots Lawn and Landscaping.
Thank you for a great season!
We are so glad to have you as our customer and
look forward to serving you in 2020.