Welcome back to Part 2 of our blog series on Fall Clean-Up: Maintaining a Well-Groomed Property as Seasons Change. In the first part, we discussed the importance of fall clean-up for promoting a healthy and attractive commercial property. Now, in this continuation, we’ll delve into more valuable tasks and tips to prepare your property for the colder months and ensure it thrives in the upcoming spring.
This week, we’ll explore essential plant protection and transplanting techniques, an irrigation system preparation checklist to safeguard against freezing, proper cleaning and storing of garden tools, winterizing outdoor furniture and equipment, and finally, planning ahead for the spring season. By implementing these fall clean-up practices, you can rest assured that your commercial property will be well-prepared to endure the winter and ready to bloom with beauty once spring returns. Let’s dive right in.
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Plant Protection and Transplanting
There are many ways to protect your plants from the cold weather. These include:
- Insulating Vulnerable Plants for Winter Protection: Wrap vulnerable plants to shield them from harsh winter weather using burlap or other protective materials. Some plants, especially those with delicate foliage or marginal hardiness for your region, may require additional protection during winter. Wrapping them in burlap or similar materials can help retain warmth and protect them from frost and drying winds.
- Wrapping Tree Trunks to Prevent Sunscald and Frost Cracks: Tree trunks can be covered with tree wraps to protect them from sunscald and frost cracks caused by temperature fluctuations. Sunscald occurs when the temperature suddenly rises on a sunny winter day, causing the bark to warm up. When the temperature drops rapidly at night, the bark contracts, leading to cracks and damage. Wrapping the trunks in winter can prevent these issues.
- Transplanting Plants That Are Outgrowing Their Spaces: If certain plants have outgrown their designated areas, fall is an excellent time for transplanting to more suitable locations. Plants that have become too large for their current space can appear crowded and negatively impact the overall landscape design. Transplanting them to more appropriate locations allows them to thrive and contributes to a balanced and well-organized landscape.
- Dividing and Replanting Perennials for Healthier Growth: Dividing and replanting perennials help rejuvenate the plants and encourage robust growth in the following seasons. Many perennial plants benefit from periodic division, promoting better root development and ensuring continued vitality. Fall is an ideal time for this process, as the plants are entering a dormant phase, and it reduces the risk of shock and transplant stress.
Irrigation System Preparation Checklist
- Draining and Winterizing Sprinkler Systems
To prevent freezing and potential damage, draining and winterizing sprinkler systems are essential steps in fall clean-up. Properly draining the irrigation system and removing any residual water from the pipes and sprinklers prevents freezing during winter. Freezing water can expand and damage the system’s components, leading to costly repairs in the spring.
- Insulating Exposed Pipes and Valves
Protect exposed pipes and valves from freezing temperatures by insulating them properly. For parts of the irrigation system that cannot be drained completely, such as exposed pipes and valves, insulation is crucial. Wrapping these components with insulating materials helps maintain their integrity and ensures they function correctly when needed in the spring.
- Shutting Off and Draining Outdoor Faucets
Shut off and drain outdoor faucets to prevent frozen pipes and costly repairs. Outdoor faucets are susceptible to freezing temperatures, which can cause pipes to burst. To avoid this, shut off the water supply to outdoor faucets and drain any remaining water from the lines.
- Storing Hoses and Watering Equipment in a Dry Location
Store hoses and watering equipment in a dry area to extend their lifespan and prevent damage from freezing temperatures. Leaving hoses outdoors during winter can cause them to become brittle and crack. Store hoses and watering equipment indoors to protect them from harsh winter conditions and ensure they are ready for use in the spring.
Cleaning and Storing Garden Tools
Fall clean-ups don’t just entail ensuring that your lawn is clear of fallen leaves and debris, protecting plants and trees from colder temperatures, and ensuring your pipes don’t freeze. You also need to take care of your tools so that they’ll be ready for next year’s landscaping efforts once the warmer weather comes.
Here are Naco’s tips to keep your garden tools in good working order for years to come:
- Clean and sharpen your gardening tools to help maintain their effectiveness and longevity. Cleaning garden tools after use prevents the spread of diseases and pathogens between plants. Additionally, sharpening the blades ensures clean cuts, reducing stress on plants and improving their overall health.
- Thoroughly clean tools to get rid of dirt and rust to prevent corrosion and extend their usability. Dirt and moisture can cause metal tools to rust over time. Regularly cleaning them with a wire brush and applying a thin coat of lubricant helps prevent rust and ensures they remain in good working condition.
- Apply lubrication to moving parts to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation. Moving parts on garden tools, such as pruners and shears, can become stiff and difficult to use without proper lubrication. Regularly applying lubricant to these parts keeps the tools functional and extends their lifespan.
- Store tools in a clean and dry area to protect them from damage and ensure they’re ready for use in the spring. When not in use, store garden tools in a dry, indoor location to prevent exposure to moisture and harsh weather conditions. This simple practice prolongs the life of your tools and saves you money on replacements.
Winterizing Outdoor Furniture and Equipment
To winterize your outdoor furniture, clean and dry them to prevent mould and mildew growth during winter storage. Before storing your outdoor furniture for the winter, thoroughly clean it with mild detergent and water. Rinse off any residue and allow the furniture to dry completely to prevent mould and mildew growth while in storage.
Outdoor furniture is designed to withstand the elements, but long-term exposure to harsh weather can still cause damage. Applying a protective coating or using high-quality covers ensures the longevity of the furniture and keeps it looking pristine. Whenever possible, store outdoor furniture and cushions in a dry, indoor area during the winter months. This prevents unnecessary wear and tear and ensures they are ready to use when the warmer weather returns.
We already mentioned you should drain garden hoses and coil them for storage to prevent cracking due to freezing temperatures. But don’t forget about all the other tools you have! Any other outdoor equipment, such as garden tools and watering cans, should also be stored in a dry location in order to protect them from the elements.
Planning for Spring…In the Fall
Now that your fall clean-up is complete, it’s time to start planning for spring. The winters may be harsh in Edmonton, but before long, the snow starts to melt, the first hints of grass start poking through, and it’s time to get ready for new landscaping. Here’s what you can do in the fall to be prepared once spring rolls back around:
- Take Notes and Photographs for Future Reference:
Documenting the property’s fall clean-up and taking photographs will help with planning and evaluation for the following year. Keeping a record of the tasks completed during fall clean-up can serve as a helpful reference when planning future property maintenance. Photographs can help visualize how the property looked during different seasons, aiding in decision-making and identifying areas for improvement.
- Assess the Property’s Needs for Spring Landscaping Projects:
Identifying areas that require attention and improvements allows for timely planning and preparation. Assess the property’s landscaping needs, taking note of any issues or areas that need improvement. This proactive approach enables you to address any problems promptly and strategically plan for spring projects.
- Research and Prepare for Early Spring Planting and Maintenance Tasks:
Being prepared for early spring planting and maintenance ensures a smooth and timely start to the growing season. Research the types of plants that thrive in your region and are suitable for your property’s conditions. Consider which plants need to be replaced or added, and ensure you have the necessary resources and materials for a successful early spring planting.
- Consult with Professionals for Larger Landscaping Projects
For more significant landscaping projects, consulting with professionals can ensure the best results and efficient execution. While many fall clean-up tasks can be accomplished by property owners and managers, more extensive landscaping projects may require the expertise of professionals. Consulting with a reputable commercial property solutions company like Naco can provide valuable insights and ensure a successful implementation of your landscaping vision.
Fall clean-up plays a pivotal role in preserving the health and beauty of your commercial property throughout the changing seasons. When you take an informed and proactive approach to your fall clean-up, you’re ensuring that your property is not only well prepared for the colder temperatures on the horizon but also ready for new landscaping efforts once spring has sprung.
At Naco Commercial Property Solutions, we specialize in fall clean-up services and are committed to maintaining your property’s beauty and health. Contact us now to learn more about our fall clean-up and landscaping services. One of our expert team members would be happy to provide you with a free quote.
For more tips and tricks for effective property maintenance, download our free comprehensive guide, 7 Commercial Property Maintenance Tips to Save You Money.
With the right fall clean-up plan and assistance from professionals like Naco, you can ensure a well-groomed and thriving commercial property all year round. Prepare your landscape for the winter, and you’ll be rewarded with a vibrant and lush property come spring.