The leaves are turning, and the smell of pumpkin spice is in the air. It’s time for fall landscaping! Here at Rubicon, we’ve had a very successful spring and summer landscaping season. We’ve seen so many clients’ properties bloom into lush green landscapes in just a few weeks! But now it’s time to prepare for the cold. There are several things you can do for your landscape in the fall to prepare for cold temperatures and ensure you are fully set up for a successful fall landscaping season in 2024. Here is Rubicon’s 2023 Fall Landscaping Guide.  

Plant Bulbs 

The best way to have a bright, vibrant garden in the spring is by planting and nurturing bulbs during the fall landscaping season. Not only will this give your garden beautifully colored flowers this upcoming spring, but it can also be an inexpensive way to do fall landscaping. Here are some tips on how to plant and nourish bulbs for next spring:  

1. Choose the right type of bulb - Different types of bulbs require different planting depths and moisture levels, so it is important to read up on which varieties will work best in your garden. Additionally, make sure to purchase only quality bulbs that have no signs of mold or other damage.  

2. Start Planting - Once you’ve chosen the right bulbs, it’s time to start planting! You should be planting as soon as the ground is cool, when evening temperatures are consistently between 40° - 50°F. Make sure to dig holes that are around three times deeper than the height of the bulb to maximize root growth and give your plants plenty of space to bloom next spring.  

3. Water Regularly - Throughout fall landscaping, it is important to check on your bulbs. Be sure that they are getting water. This will ensure that they have access to the nutrients needed for healthy growing conditions in the spring.  

4. Fertilize - Using a fertilizer high in phosphorus and potash at planting time in the fall will help give your bulbs an extra boost of energy as they grow through the winter months. Make sure to follow the instructions on the package for the best results.  

5. Mulch - To protect your bulbs from extreme temperatures and hard winter frosts, add a layer of mulch around them when planting. This will help keep moisture in and give your bulbs extra protection during the cold winter months.  

With some patience and TLC this fall, you’ll be able to enjoy a beautiful garden full of blooming bulbs next spring. By following these tips, you’ll be sure to have a colorful landscape that will bring plenty of joy for the upcoming season! 

Protect Evergreen Trees 

Fall is an important time to start thinking about protecting your evergreen trees from harsh weather conditions. It's important to understand what kind of evergreen tree you have. When temperatures drop and snow begins to fall, these types of trees are more susceptible to freezing and damage due to their shallow root systems.  

So how can you protect your evergreen trees during the colder months? Here are some tips to keep them safe: 

• A layer of mulch around the base of your tree can help insulate the roots and protect against extreme temperatures.  
• If you live in an area that gets heavy snowfall, make sure to brush off any excess snow from your evergreen trees. This will prevent branches from breaking due to the weight of the snow.  
• Wrap your trees in burlap or a similar material for extra protection against cold winds and snow.
• Make sure that your tree is well-watered during the fall landscaping season so its roots stay hydrated, which can help them better withstand extreme temperatures.  

Protecting your trees can certainly be a hassle. But it is certainly worth it. Your clients and customers will be gazing at your gorgeous evergreens all spring and summer if you take a little extra time and care to make sure that your evergreens stay safe from the cold.  

Raking Leaves 

Raking leaves can be a tedious job, but it’s important for fall landscaping. Leaves left on the grass can cause mold and fungi to grow, leading to dead patches in the springtime. It’s also important to rake leaves off hard surfaces such as driveways or sidewalks to prevent slipping hazards. By removing leaves now, you’ll also avoid them getting stuck in snow this winter. 

If you’re looking for ways to save time when it comes to raking leaves, there are a few options. Investing in an electric or cordless leaf blower can be a good investment, as it will make quick work of clearing large amounts of debris. For larger yards, you could even consider hiring a professional service, such as Rubicon, to take care of the job for you. 

Cleaning Up Garden Beds 

Here are some tips on how to clean up your garden bed for fall landscaping:  

Remove Weeds and Debris - The first step towards prepping your garden for fall landscaping is to clear any weeds or debris that could be cluttering it up. Make sure to get down into the soil and remove as many roots as you can to prevent them from spreading. Once cleared, give the area a good raking to get rid of any leftover bits. 

Cut Back Plants and Foliage - Your next step should be to prune back any plants or foliage that are still growing, such as perennials and shrubs. This will help them store energy for the winter months, while also preventing them from becoming too large and taking up too much space. Don't forget to also trim your lawn and rake up any resulting debris during fall landscaping. 

Spread Mulch or Compost - Mulch and compost are great for helping retain moisture in the soil during fall and winter, so make sure to spread a layer over your garden bed. If you have thick mulch or compost already covering your garden, you can simply top it off with a thin layer. Once spread, lightly rake the surface and water to ensure the moisture is locked in. 

Protect Shrubs and Ornamental Trees - If you have any shrubs or ornamental trees in your garden, make sure to wrap them in burlap for extra protection over winter. This will help prevent any frost damage from impacting your plants. 

Fall Landscaping is Essential  

Spring and summer came, and many of us let the cold weather slip from our minds. Even though the warm weather is nice, we all know it will come to an end. Preparing for next spring will pay off with lush gardens and gorgeous flowerbeds. Be sure to take the time this fall to tend to your landscape. And if you aren’t sure that you’ll have the time to do it, be sure to call Rubicon to help you prepare your landscape for the cold weather.