So what jobs should we be doing this month :
- Clear up fallen autumn leaves regularly
- Cut back perennials that have died down
- Divide herbaceous perennials and rhubarb crowns
- Move tender plants, including aquatic ones, into the greenhouse
- Plant out spring cabbages
- Harvest apples, pears, grapes and nuts
- Prune climbing roses
- Order seeds for next year
- Last chance to mow lawns and trim hedges in mild areas
- Renovate old lawns or create new grass areas by laying turf
At this time of year it is normal to be swamped and engulfed by fallen leaves. Yes, the vast majority of leaves that are dropping from our own and our neighbours trees are pretty enough, and for a while their bright reds, yellows and oranges look stunning both on and off the tree. However, the initial flurry of pretty colour soon starts to diminish.
Leaves that are allowed to build up in your garden can cause many problems. On the lawn they smother the turf, often causing patches of die back, mainly due to the lack of light and oxygen. Also if the crowns of the less tough herbaceous perennials or alpines are covered in a soggy blanket of leaves, they too will also start to deteriorate. So like it or not you need to look after what is in your garden and the sooner you start clearing away the leaves the better.
A spring pronged rake is ideal for raking leaves of the lawn. Depending on the size of your garden and lawn area you may opt for a leaf blower or vacuum, or hand picking on beds and borders.
Great, so you spend a lot of time and effort collecting all these leaves, do not just bin them or burn them but make leaf mould. It makes a fantastic soil mulch. Leaves are best rotted down on their own as they take longer to decompose than the rest of the stuff in your compost heap. If space permits then you can always have a separate compost bin for your leaves. Otherwise make sure they go in your green recycle waste. It all helps the environment.
If you have any questions or live in Portsmouth or the surrounding areas and would like to discuss one of our many tree services give us a call on 07775 764 669 or contact us using our form by clicking here..
Bob Angus – Owner / Angus Tree Services
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