Fall is definitely here and we are all enjoying these cooler days and nights. This month we will be tending all that beautiful fescue grass that we have aerated and over seeded in last month. Most lawns will be receiving reduced mowing’s on the new fescue this month and then we will not be fertilizing and weed treating again till December. Warm season turf will begin to go dormant and start to discolor as the nights have been getting colder. 
With the cooler weather there has been a sharp drop in humidity and our managers and crews are watching the irrigation and watering to make sure new plant installations are not being over watered.
Fall flower installations are underway and our seasonal color design specialist are continuing to design seasonal color beds and pots. In addition to designing they are also making sure their designs are being installed as planned by our wonderful seasonal color installation crews.
Fall leaf removal has just started and we plan on completion by late December if Mother Nature cooperates. We can already tell that the leaf drop is about 1 week behind compared to a normal year. Home ownerwill be tarping leaves, mowing leaves, and removing leaves weekly on the property until they are all up.
Remember that Fall through late Winter to early Spring is the optimal time to plant new shrubs and trees. Please get with our account managers or our Landscape Architects to begin designing your next project. Our installation teams are fortunate to be very busy now and booking out each month. We now have five Landscape Architects on staff to serve your needs.
Zoysia fungal patch could become active over the next two months as the Zoysia begins to go into winter dormancy. Warm season turf like Bermuda and Zoysia are in transition and therefor are in a weaker state than in the active growing season. This is why we see the fungus attack the turf when the turf grass is most vulnerable. Turf fungicides are recommended usually two rounds are needed to help prevent the fungus.
Boxwood fungal issues can flare up over the next two months. Volutella blight and root rot are two problems that we can have if we get into rainy cool weather with cloudy days. Boxwoods are very susceptible to root rot due to our clay soils. We can treat with fungicides if we suspect and see any issues.
Thank you so much for your continued business. We at Sunrise Inc. will always strive do to the best each day for you and your properties. Thanks for allowing us to serve you!
Your Autumn Garden – 8 Things To Do
8 Things To Do In Your Autumn Garden
Preparing your garden for fall is not just about cleaning or removing plants, it is also a way to enjoy your garden longer. Getting your garden ready for fall and winter will help you have an easier time come spring. It’s also a good time to enhance the area for your spring garden and even plant some fall foliage. Getting your garden ready for the fall will give you plenty of time to rake up all those falling leaves.
- Clean up your garden landscape by removing debris such as dried leaves or stems off plants and shrubs. Use a rake to fluff up any mulch, which will help water reach deeper into the soil. Add mulch if it is needed. Use as much of your compost as you can by spreading it on your garden beds. You’re about to have a whole lot of fallen leaves to add to your compost for the spring, so best to make room now.
- Plant new plants such as mums or pansies to add color to your fall garden. This is the ideal time since spring and summer blooms have ended and you can see where there may be gaps in coverage.
- Take care of your plants that are in containers by moving them indoors to prepare them for fall. This is especially important before the first frost. Tropical plants do well inside but herbs will need a lot of light. Consider transplanting perennials you have in containers into your garden for spring blooming.
- Plant new bulbs or divide and replant perennials to prepare your garden. Autumn provides an ideal opportunity to move poorly placed plants, and divide overcrowded perennials while the soil is still warm. Dividing the perennials will encourage new growth and give you an easy, cheaper way to add more plants and flowers to your garden landscape.
- If your yard has a pond or water feature it’s time to cover it with a net. Decomposing leaves can turn your pond water foul and block filters on pumps. Save time and effort later on by catching leaves before they fall into your pond. Simply spread a fine meshed net across the pond and pin it down with bricks. The leaves can be added straight to the compost heap.
- Clean, maintain and store your gardening tools. Cover the tools or keep them sheltered from the wet weather. Sharpen dull tools to be ready for spring gardening. Give a light coat of oil to metal tools like shears and shovels to avoid rust. Get rid of any garden products that will have expired when spring comes around and make a list of the things you will need for spring gardening.
- Get your trees ready for fall as well by trimming dead branches before they have a chance to fall and possible crush your garden.
- Plan your dream garden landscape for next year, now. Are there new elements you want to incorporate into your garden landscape like a flagstone patio, fire pit, water feature, outdoor lighting, new flower beds or accent plants? Now is the time to create that plan to have it ready for next spring and summer. We can help you design and build your dream landscape. Now is the time to create a landscape oasis that can be enjoyed years to come.
Flagstone Patio
- Retaining Wall
- Water Feature
