Set Your Yard up for success next year
As the vibrant colors of autumn settle over Kennesaw, Georgia, it’s the perfect time to prepare your yard for winter. While our winters are relatively mild, taking care of your landscape in the fall ensures it stays healthy and vibrant come spring. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help homeowners in Kennesaw and surrounding areas prepare for fall yard care.
1. Rake and Remove Fallen Leaves
Though colorful, fallen leaves can smother your grass if left too long. Georgia's fescue and zoysia lawns benefit from airflow and sunlight, even during dormancy. Make it a habit to regularly rake leaves or use a leaf blower. Better yet, compost them for nutrient-rich mulch you can use later.
💡 Pro Tip: Mulch some leaves directly into the lawn using a mulching mower--great for grass and saves time!
2. Prune Shrubs & Trees
Fall is the ideal time to prune dead or diseased branches. For Kennesaw homeowners, this step is crucial to prevent storm damage during winter rains and occasional frost. Focus on native plants like southern magnolias or azaleas to ensure they flourish next spring.
💡 Pro Tip: Avoid heavy pruning of spring-flowering shrubs like dogwoods—they already have next season’s buds in place!
3. Aerate & Overseed
In North Georgia, lawns made of cool-season grasses such as tall fescue thrive with fall aeration and overseeding. Aerating helps relieve soil compaction, while overseeding ensures the grass stays thick and healthy, minimizing weeds.
💡 Best Time: Aerate and overseed between September and early November for optimal growth.
4. Apply Fertilizer & Lime
Applying a slow-release fertilizer strengthens root systems, helping your grass survive the cooler months. Georgia's acidic soil may also benefit from a lime application to balance pH levels—check soil tests for precise recommendations.
💡 Pro Tip: Focus on the roots! Nitrogen-rich fertilizers are excellent for encouraging root growth during dormancy.
5. Mulch Flower Beds & Shrubs
A fresh layer of mulch acts as insulation for your plants, keeping soil temperatures steady during cold snaps. Native plants like oakleaf hydrangeas and coneflowers benefit from mulch to protect their roots from frost. Spread 2-3 inches of mulch around the base of shrubs and flower beds.
6. Clean & Store Garden Tools
Before temperatures drop, take time to clean, sharpen, and store tools. Proper tool maintenance will make spring gardening easier. Drain and store hoses to prevent cracking, and cover outdoor faucets to protect from unexpected freezes.
💡 Pro Tip: Add a small amount of motor oil to pruners and shears to prevent rusting over winter.
7. Protect Delicate Plants from Frost
While winters in Kennesaw are mostly mild, occasional frost can damage tender plants. Cover delicate shrubs with burlap or frost blankets on cold nights, especially if they’re newly planted.
8. Schedule a Professional Fall Cleanup with Kennesaw Landscaping
Need help preparing your yard for winter? A professional fall cleanup ensures every detail is handled—removing leaves, trimming shrubs, aerating lawns, and more. Our team knows the local climate and the specific care your landscape needs to thrive through the winter months.
Get Ready for Spring Now
Taking care of your yard this fall means fewer headaches and a more beautiful landscape come spring. Whether you’re looking to maintain curb appeal or improve the health of your lawn, fall cleanup is a must. Contact Kennesaw Landscaping today to schedule your seasonal yard care services!
