Beech Tree News Network

With fall coming soon, I’ve begun to think about seasonal yard work. I like doing yard work, but thoughts of what I should do make the work seem overwhelming. So, I plan to do what needs to be done.

My biggest task is to divide and cut back perennials. I have lilies and iris that need more space; so, some of them have to go, and some of them need moving. This task means I have to determine how to rearrange the perennials. Currently, I’ve dug up some (I still have more to dig) and am thinking about how to space the others so I don’t have to do this again for several years. The Southern Living lawn care checklist suggested this be done in August: Iris and daylilies. Now (August) is a good time to divide these spring-blooming perennials. Dig clumps that have become crowded and that have not been blooming as fully as in past years. Divide tubers and roots, and trim dead portions. Use younger, vigorous sections for replanting (http://www.southernliving.com/marketplace/garden-lawn-care-checklist). This task alone will probably take me another month. I have to make myself do it.

I decided a couple of years ago that I wanted a few holly bushes. I planted three at the time, but only one survived. So, I’ve purchased five more. The Southern Living lawn care checklist recommended: Fall planting. Begin planting trees and shrubs this month (September). Planting in autumn allows them time to grow roots and transition into the garden (http://www.southernliving.com/marketplace/garden-lawn-care-checklist). Luckily for my new holly bushes, planting them will take little time. They should have time to get a good start.

Fall is also the time to prepare one’s yard for the spring. Many choose to fertilize lawns in the fall so that the timed-release nitrogen will continuously feed the lawn until the spring. If yard soil is acidic and needs lime (based on a soil test), the suggested application timeframe is December. Fall is also the time to plant spring flower bulbs; I usually plant bulbs in October or November. Most websites I checked also suggested that fallen leaves be removed a huge task for those with mature trees  or mulched to ensure the lawn’s health. Most websites suggested that fall work includes “putting the garden to bed.” I don’t have a garden, but I have a raised bed that could certainly benefit from some attention.

I usually also have some other outdoor work. One website (http://checklist.com/yard-maintenance-checklist/) provided a fall maintenance checklist that included such things as:
•    Check wooden posts, etc., for painting/treating.
•    Check for loose nails.
•    Check masonry walls for loose stones or mortar.
•    Inspect walks and repair loose stones/steps.
•    Clean and repair the garden pool/fountain.
One related task might be storing outdoor furniture. In late fall, I put some of my outdoor furniture inside the garage; I like waiting until the warm weather is gone.
During fall, many of us feel compelled to do a bit of yard work. However, Richard Louv advised, “Leave part of the yard rough. Don't manicure everything. Small children in particular love to turn over rocks and find bugs, and give them some space to do that” (http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/yard.html). So, if I don’t complete all of my yard work tasks this fall, maybe my grandchildren will enjoy those “rough” areas.