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Similar to the shifting of the seasons, your garden experiences its own cycle of development and rest. The requirements for your garden also vary with the weather. Every season has a unique set of chores, whether it’s maintaining your grass, caring for your trees and plants, or beautifying your flower beds and outdoor areas.
This is where these helpful guidelines are useful! No matter the season, they make it simple to maintain the best-looking outdoor sanctuary with a breakdown of the important maintenance duties for each.
Now that spring has brought vitality to our gardens, it’s time to dig in and take care of some much-needed maintenance. To guarantee that your outdoor area thrives this season, consider the following crucial advice:
It’s time for your grass to get some shine when the sun starts to come out more and the remainder of the snow melts! Apply a sufficient amount of fertiliser on the lawn to provide it with a boost and stimulate lush, green growth. And those pesky dead spots? Don’t just ignore them and take care of them as well!
A preemergent insecticide used around the time forsythia blossoms can be quite helpful if crabgrass has been giving you difficulties. Finally, think about dethatching and aerating the grass to revitalise your faded lawn.
Say goodbye to winter trunk protection and old mulch, and say hello to fresh new mulch at the base of trees and shrubs. Prune away any dead, broken, or diseased branches to make room for healthy growth. And don’t forget about those summer-flowering shrubs—they’ll appreciate a trim. Groundcovers need attention, too; rake, fertilise, and groom them to keep them looking their best. And for new plants, especially after dry winters, a good drink of water is essential.
The condition of the soil is essential for plant growth and, therefore, enriches it with organic matter. Additionally, now is the perfect time to plant as cool-weather flowers and veggies are ready to germinate. In addition to planting and trimming your roses, replace any worn-out mulch with new ones.
Give your perennials some room if they’re becoming a little too close together! Once you’ve divided them up, they’ll look more vibrant and lush in your landscape. And hey, now is the perfect moment to realise your dream of having your own bountiful harvest! A great way to enjoy the results of your effort and add some sweetness to your garden is to plant berry bushes and fruit trees.
The outdoor living areas also require attention! Wooden decks should be well-cleaned and, if necessary, sealed or stained. Dust off and apply a new layer of paint to furniture that seems worn out. Paved sections may also require maintenance; seal any gaps and give them a thorough cleaning.
Remember the simple things: oil latches and hinges, and replace any worn-out bulbs in exterior fixtures. Last but not least, tune up your lawnmower and polish your pruning shears to ensure your equipment is ready for the new season!
Our gardens go into overdrive as summer brings its warmth and sunshine, resulting in quick growth and beautiful blossoms. Here’s how to make sure everything stays in perfect condition throughout the summer:
Mow your grass often, tweaking the frequency as necessary to keep it looking great. Raising the mowing height as summer heat builds will help shield your grass from strain. Modify your mowing schedule to avoid compaction and boost strong growth. Do not forget to water your grass early in the morning to relieve its thirst before the sun becomes too hot.
Weed the area around the trees on a regular basis to give them breathing room. Watch closely for any indications of damage caused by insects or diseases, and act quickly to stop any spread.
Water newly planted shrubs and trees at least once a week; they require a little extra care. After the first flush of new growth, trim those hedges and tidy up by deadheading faded flowers. Additionally, you should postpone trimming spring-blooming shrubs like lilacs until after they have completed blossoming.
Mulch keeps moisture in and weeds out in your garden throughout the hot summer months. Spread it about as needed. Make your cuts in the cold morning hours for the freshest herbs and blossoms. When growing fruits and healthy vegetables, pay close attention to their growth and harvest them at their peak ripeness for the best flavour.
Prune fruit-bearing shrubs after the fruiting season and transplant strawberries for the following year’s crop. Water container plants when they seem a little dry, and keep an eye out for pests and diseases. Additionally, remember to fertilise your vegetables and flowers once a month.
The ideal tool is one that is clean, therefore, be sure to thoroughly clean your instrument after each use. Clean and fix your cold frames to ensure the health and well-being of your plants. Additionally, maintain the neat appearance of your walkways by sealing any gaps and removing any bothersome weeds growing in between the stones. This keeps everything tidy and lessens the chance of any unplanned trips or falls.
It’s time to turn our attention to getting our gardens ready for the upcoming cooler months when October arrives, and the leaves start to turn. Here’s how to maintain the best possible condition for your outdoor area in the autumn:
Apply some extra care to your lawn by overseeding any bare patches or areas that want some new life. When the weather cools off, a fall grass fertiliser will help maintain a robust and healthy lawn. Of course, to maintain a neat lawn, remember to control the leaves by raking them up as needed.
Conifers that have just been planted require a little more attention to guarantee that they survive the winter. Mulch and water them frequently. Additionally, this is the ideal time to plant new plants in your garden, like beautyberries, holly, and oak.
To stave off illness and pests, remove any fallen crops and fruit tree leaves. And those leaves in autumn? Rake them up and compost them to create nutrient-rich soil instead of letting them go to waste. To protect your roses from frost, trim down the canes to approximately a foot above the ground and wrap the fragile ones in hessian.
It’s almost time to organise your garden beds because the growth season is almost over. Re-pot perennials so that, in time for winter, they are only about 6 inches above the ground. Remove any non-hardy bulbs and store them till spring. If you find your perennials are a little too crowded, now is the perfect time to divide and replant.
Additionally, plant some cool-season annuals to enjoy throughout the autumn for a splash of colour. Before the first frost, harvest your vegetables, and don’t forget to compost any remaining scraps. Finally, sow your spring bulbs now to enjoy a colourful display the following year.
Prep your tools and equipment for winter by running gas engine mowers until empty or adding fuel stabiliser. Drain any permanent water systems, pools, and ponds to prevent damage from freezing temperatures. When it’s time to pack up for the season, store hoses, outdoor furniture, and tools in a safe, dry place until spring.
It’s time to concentrate on necessary maintenance work to keep things in good condition until spring when winter sets in, and the garden takes on a more subdued atmosphere. What you should know is as follows:
Give your grass a small boost with light use of nitrogen fertiliser in late winter to keep it well and happy during its resting period. It’s advisable to give your frozen or dormant grass some room; try to avoid stepping on those patches to avoid causing damage. Furthermore, avoid using salt for de-icing! By using alternatives, you may preserve the appearance of the neighbouring plants and safeguard your lawn.
If there isn’t much rain or snow, pay attention to recently planted evergreens and give them something to drink. Also, now is the ideal time to prune fruit trees and plant bare-root roses to keep them looking their best. Tree guards will keep hungry rodents away from your trees, and don’t forget to wrap hessian over delicate foundation shrubs to keep them warm.
Make sure your wintering bulbs are secure and comfortable by checking on them. Place an order for seeds for spring planting to get organised in advance. Apply fertiliser to your flowers to give them a little push in milder winter locations. Be the most of the dormant season by pruning roses and dormant trees. Also, be sure to cover sensitive plants to protect them from frost.
Winter is a great time to repair any broken fences or arbours in your garden. To make the most of this downtime and have your tools ready for use in the spring, organise them in the garage or shed. To lessen the chance of slips and falls, clear the snow off patios and garden paths. It is advisable to check for leaks or fractures in the drainage systems.
The garden may seem to be sleeping, but these wintering chores are essential to keeping everything in good shape. You can make sure your outside area is prepared for the eventual arrival of spring by keeping an eye on them.
With these seasonal landscape maintenance tips, your garden will stay lush and healthy all year round. Every season offers an opportunity to take care of your outdoor haven, whether it’s revitalising your grass in the spring, protecting your plants from the summer sun, or getting them ready for autumn and winter.
You may cultivate a garden that is a constant source of beauty and happiness by being proactive and taking on duties as they arise. And don’t panic if you realise that you can’t handle the workload! To assist and maintain the best possible condition for your yard, professional gardening services are constantly on hand.
