The Professional Landcare Network Reminds Homeowners That Planting and Maintenance in the Fall Is Just as Important as Getting a Fresh Start in the Spring

Fall is the time when many do-it-yourself gardeners wind down their activity and think about closing up the shed for the season. However, the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) notes that fall is a great time to plant trees, shrubs, and some annuals as well as to plan a winterizing strategy.

“Now is the perfect time to make a last push in the yard before the season wraps up,” says Jim Martin, CLP, PLANET president. “Fall is an important time to plant, weed, prune, and do maintenance before packing it in for the winter.”

PLANET advises homeowners to think about the following fall tasks:

? Pull weeds. Do it now and you’ll have fewer weeds next season.
? Rake and remove the leaves in the yard to avoid damage to the grass so you can enjoy a healthier lawn next summer.
? Give trees and shrubs a deep watering after the leaves on the trees drop and just before turning the outside water off for the season.
? Cut most perennials back close to the ground.
? Wash gardening sprayers with soapy water before storing.
? Clean, oil, and sharpen gardening tools before storing for the season.
? Shut off water lines to the outside.
For consumers who are looking for assistance maintaining their lawns and landscapes or installing new ones, finding the right landscape professional is essential says PLANET. Reliable references for quality landscape professionals often come from family and friends. Consumers can also contact their local, state, or national trade associations for referrals, or can visit the PLANET Web site at LandcareNetwork.org/findaprofessional to find a landscape professional or lawn care specialist near them.
PLANET is the association of members who create and maintain the QUALITY OF LIFE in communities across America. With more than 4,200 member companies and affiliates, these firms and their employees represent more than 100,000 green industry professionals. For more information on PLANET visit LandcareNetwork.org or call the PLANET office at (800) 395-2522.