Fall Gardening Tips – 23 Things You Can Do Now

Cut your lawn before the first snow arrives, probably just before November.
Why: By cutting your lawn to approximately 2.5 to 3 inches in height, this allows your grass to
stay upright. This is important because grass that is too tall, tends to bend over, mat down and
shade itself. In turn, this creates an environment where your grass is more prone to disease,
weeds, and moss, especially in a wet season like spring or late-season when there is heavy
snow. Like plants, lawns also need good airflow.
How: Lower your lawn mower to the appropriate height starting with the highest setting and
move down until you get to close to approximately 3 inches. Make sure that the lawn mower is
turned off when you are lowering it.
4. Protect the Young Fruit Trees
Why: Protect the young bark of fruit trees from rodents. Fruit producing trees and young
flowering trees are susceptible to damage from rabbit and mice during the winter. Trees
affected by this include crabapples, fruit bearing apples, pears, and plums.
How: You can use spiral protectors on the bottom of the tree trunk to get great results. Place
the plastic spiral protector on trees that are less than 10cm in diameter (measured 80cm from
the trunk). Another alternative non-toxic method is to use a product called Ropel.
5. Upright Evergreen Trees
Why: Junipers and Cedar trees need to be protected from the drying effects of the wind and
the potential burning effects of late winter sun as it reflects off of the snow.
How: You can simply protect these trees using burlap. Preferably two layers of burlap should
be used for the best results. Secure the burlap with the use of garden twine.
6. Broad Leafed Evergreen Trees
Why: Dessication is the drying out of the trees tender stems and foilage because of the winter
wind. Evergreen trees like rhododendrons, yews, boxwood, holly and other broad-leafed
evergreen trees are susceptible.
How: You can use the burlap option (see above) or there is a product called Wilt-Pruf that does
the job. You can prevent dessication with a single application.
7. Plant Shrubs and Evergreens