Michigan Fall Lawn Maintenance

It’s hard to find a more beautiful place on earth than Michigan in the fall. Flowers and plants are still in bloom, trees turn incredible oranges, yellows, and reds, and lawns still have their green lushness held over from summer. Unfortunately, fall beauty doesn’t last long before the snow starts meaning a short window of opportunity for fall lawn maintenance. This is what you should know about fall cleanup and lawn maintenance in Michigan.

Pick up the leaves

You may have heard that it’s vital to remove all dead leaves from your yard, but according to an article posted by the University of Minnesota, homeowners may be able to get away with not raking. If you have only minimal to moderate leaf coverage in your yard, consider chopping leaves with a lawnmower. Leaves should be chopped as finely as possible. This will create a nutritious mulch that can help your lawn thrive over winter.

Additionally, if you have a lot of leaf-producing trees in your yard, it may be a good idea to invest in a leaf blower. This can speed up your leaf collection efforts while making the task less physically demanding and leafblowers are very handy for removing leaves from landscaping and gardens.

Protect lawn ornaments

Decorative elements should be winterized or put away to save them from snow or freeze damage. Make sure to thoroughly clean any birdbaths or feeders before storing so they are ready for use next season. Pay special attention to any items that could be impacted by snowdrifts from plows or shoveling. String lights should be taken in if they will not be used to protect the bulbs from ice and snow.

If you are looking to keep some outdoor décor, fall is the perfect time to plan a winter bird feeder. While many birds migrate for the winter, Michigan is home to a variety of bird species year-round. You can choose from a variety of options including loose seeds and shaped suet blocks and even pick certain varieties to attract specific types of birds.

Prepare for next year

Fall is the best time to fertilize your yard. Your yard is about to go dormant for several months under a nice, insulated blanket of snow so it’s a good idea to make sure it has all the nutrients it needs to come back refreshed. Now is also the time to plant your spring bulbs. Flowers like daffodils and tulips require long periods of cold to create beautiful blooms in the spring. It’s important to get the bulbs in the ground before it freezes, so it may be smart to start with this landscaping task when working on your autumn yard cleanup checklist.

One of the best ways to set yourself up for success next year is to prevent mosquitoes before they begin. Remove standing water sources, dispose of brush, and schedule your 2021 mosquito treatment appointments with Mosquito One.

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