Page 14 - Fall_2020_Montana-Dakota

naturalFit

Welcoming winter

Indoor and outdoor maintenance prepare homes for cold weather.

By Tonya McMurray

aking leaves is probably the first chore that comes to mind Pulling weeds now means fewer in the spring, according to NALP.
when homeowners think about fall maintenance. But land- Fall is also a good time to seed any dead spots in your yard and fertilize
scapers and home maintenance professionals advise paying grass to help create a lush, healthy lawn for next spring and summer.
R attention to a range of household chores to protect homes Prune plants and cut perennials close to the ground. Landscape pro-
from the elements and prepare your yard for a return to healthy growth fessionals recommend pulling up any plants remaining in a vegetable
next summer. garden to avoid decaying plants that can harbor pests and diseases.
Spring bulbs should be planted in October in colder climates and in
FaLL LaWN CarE November in warmer areas.
Removing leaves is important for lawn health and protecting water
quality, according to the National Association of Landscape Profession- ouTsiDE maiNTENaNCE
als (NALP). Freezing and thawing cycles can cause leaves, dead grass Home maintenance professionals recommend cleaning and repair-
and plants to release phosphates and nitrates, which can be carried in ing gutters to avoid leaks and ice dams. Disconnect garden hoses, shut
runoff from spring rains and snowmelt and end up in surface water. off exterior faucets and drain water from outdoor pipes, valves, and

14 naturalliving ❙ Fall - Winter 2020