Lawn Checklist

Fall

• Fall marks the beginning of the planting season for certain vegetation, like trees, shrubs and bulbs. Plant these kinds of lawn ornamentals to ensure they're ready for spring growth. Cut down on watering to allow plants to go into dormant states for the winter. Constant watering encourages new growth, which is fragile during the winter months. Plant cool-season grasses mixed into your warm-season lawn for a green lawn all year. Remove dead annuals, and plant cool-season annuals. Plant seeds or seedlings for fall crops like leafy greens and broccoli. Wrap cold-sensitive trees and plants, or move container plants indoors.

Winter

• Clean and till empty beds, and keep leaves and snow at bay. Adjust automatic irrigation systems to water less to adjust for the grass and plants' dormancy. Some trees and shrubs need winter pruning, and some are best pruned at the beginning of the growing season, depending on species and variety. Keep a compost pile going and turned to be ready for early spring planting.

Spring

• During early spring, test your soil to see if any amendments need to be made. Apply fertilizer as necessary once your lawn turns green, and spread lime over the lawn if the soil is very acidic. Replace mulch in garden beds and around trees and plants. Mow the lawn to encourage healthy growth, mowing only one-third of the blade length each time. Plant early-season vegetables and herbs as soon as possible after the last frost. Plant summer annuals in late spring.

Summer

• Move sun-sensitive plants to shady areas, and irrigate them as well as trees, if necessary. Adjust your lawn irrigating as necessary to keep green, healthy grass, and cut it every several weeks, making sure not to cut it too short, which leaves it susceptible to sun scorch and disease. Mow grass 1 to 1 ½ inches longer than during the spring season. Water and harvest summer vegetables, and plant fall vegetables in the late summer. Divide perennials like lilies and irises during late summer.