November in the New River Valley brings crisp mornings, the last of the color on the ridgelines and, before long, the first hard freeze. Once the ground freezes and snow moves in, many fall tasks become harder to do well, or can’t be done at all until spring.
A thorough fall yard cleanup now protects your lawn, planting beds and hardscapes through the winter months and gives your landscape a head start when the weather warms up. Here is the fall yard cleanup checklist our crews work through for homeowners across Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Radford, Roanoke and the surrounding area.
1. Finish Leaf Removal
Leaves keep falling well into November, especially from oaks, which tend to hold their leaves longer than other trees. One final pass after most leaves have dropped keeps wet, matted leaves from smothering your grass over the winter.
Don’t stop at the open lawn. Leaves collect in planting beds, under shrubs, along fence lines and in corners of the yard, where they can harbor pests and disease. Removing leaves now means less work and fewer problems in the spring.
2. Cut Back Spent Perennials
Not every perennial needs to be cut back in the fall, but some benefit from it. Plants prone to foliar disease, such as peonies and hostas, should have their spent foliage removed so disease doesn’t overwinter in the bed.
Sturdier plants with attractive seed heads, such as coneflowers and many ornamental grasses, can be left standing for winter interest and food for birds. Those can be cut back in late winter, before new growth begins.
3. Prune with a Purpose
Fall pruning is about keeping plants healthy and attractive, not reshaping them. Focus on removing dead, damaged or diseased branches and tidying growth that has gotten out of hand.
A word of caution: spring-flowering shrubs such as azaleas, rhododendrons, forsythia and lilacs have already set next year’s flower buds. Heavy pruning now can mean fewer blooms in the spring. When in doubt, wait.
Our fall pruning service typically runs from October through December and follows proper horticultural practices for each plant in your landscape.
4. Clear Beds of Weeds and Debris
Weeds pulled now won’t have the chance to drop seed or overwinter in your beds. Clearing sticks, spent annuals and other debris also removes hiding spots for voles and other pests looking for shelter as temperatures drop. Keep your beds weeded!
5. Check the Mulch Around Your Plants
Mulch helps stabilize soil temperatures and hold moisture through the winter. Walk your beds and look for thin or bare spots, particularly around newly planted trees and shrubs.
Keep mulch pulled back a few inches from trunks and stems. Piling it against the base of a tree, often called “volcano mulching,” traps moisture against the bark and can lead to rot and pest problems. Proper mulching is critical for the health and beauty of your plants.
6. Give the Lawn a Final Mow
Keep mowing as long as your grass is actively growing. Grass left too long heading into winter can mat down and become prone to disease, while grass cut too short is more vulnerable to cold and stress. A clean final mow at the proper height, with leaves cleared, sets your lawn up for a stronger spring green-up.
7. Clear Drains, Walkways and Hardscapes
Fall cleanup isn’t only about plants. Leaves and debris can clog yard drains and downspout outlets, leading to standing water or ice buildup near your home’s foundation.
Wet leaves on patios, walkways and steps are a slipping hazard, and debris left in paver joints can encourage weed growth next season. A quick sweep and blow-off of your hardscapes keeps them safe and looking their best.
8. Plan Ahead for Snow and Ice
Winter weather in Southwest Virginia can arrive quickly. Before the first storm, make sure walkways and driveways are clear of debris, mark the edges of beds and driveways that could be damaged by plowing, and have a plan for snow and ice removal.
Our Snow & Ice Removal service gives homeowners peace of mind all winter long. When snow is in the forecast, our crews start early to salt and plow so you don’t have to.
Let Us Handle the Checklist
Fall cleanup is a lot of work, and the window between peak leaf drop and the first hard freeze is short. Back to Nature Landscaping & Construction can take care of the entire fall yard cleanup checklist, from leaf removal and pruning to bed cleanup and snow preparation.
Through our Landscape Maintenance Program, your account manager will meet with you to discuss your property and provide an itemized list of recommended services. Simply choose the services you want, and our crew will handle the rest.
Call 540-739-3947 for a FREE on-site assessment or visit backtonaturelandscaping.com to schedule your fall cleanup before winter arrives.