Fall has officially arrived around here, and between the cooler mornings, changing leaves, and everyone starting to think about getting their properties ready for winter, it feels like the season is flying by. We’re also getting out into the community a little more this month. If you’re around, come say hi to us at Fall Fest at Coventry Parlor on October 17 from 12–6 PM, and then again at Trunk or Treat at Bucktown Beans on October 24 from 3–6 PM. We always enjoy getting out from behind the counter and into the community to see some familiar faces. Back at the store, we’ve been hearing a lot of the same questions lately: What should I do with my landscape beds before winter? Do I need to address that drainage problem? Is now a good time to start planning next year’s patio? So we put together a little fall checklist to help you take a look around your own property and figure out what might be worth tackling now and what can wait until spring.

Take a Walk Around Your Property Start with a good look at your beds, walkways, patios, and other hardscaped areas. Are there areas where stone has shifted? Have pavers settled? Are your walkways holding water after it rains? Small issues are often easier to address before they become bigger ones. Fall is also a great time to look at areas where water tends to collect. If you consistently have a soggy spot in the yard or water sitting near your foundation, it may be worth figuring out why before the ground freezes. Take a Look at Your Gutters and Downspouts Fall is a good time to pay attention to where all that rainwater is actually going. Make sure your gutters and downspouts are clear of leaves and debris, and take a look at where your downspouts are directing water. You don’t want water collecting next to your foundation, washing out your landscaping, or creating soggy areas in the yard. If you notice water pooling in the same spot after a storm, fall is also a good time to start thinking about a more permanent solution. From extending downspouts to improving drainage areas, adding stone, or installing a more comprehensive stormwater management solution, there are a number of ways to help move water where it needs to go. A little planning now can save you from dealing with a muddy mess when the spring rains arrive. Not sure what you need? Bring us a picture of the area, tell us what you’re seeing, and we’ll do our best to point you in the right direction.

Give Your Landscape Beds Some Attention Fall is a great time to refresh your landscape beds. If your mulch has gotten thin or washed away during the season, adding a fresh layer can help protect the soil and give your beds a finished look heading into winter. And if you’re thinking about switching from mulch to decorative stone, fall can be a great time to start planning that project. Not sure what material would work best? That’s where we come in. We’re always happy to talk through the different options and help you figure out what makes sense for your property.

Give Your Grass a Head Start If your lawn has thin or bare areas, fall is one of the best times to give your grass some attention.Cooler temperatures and more consistent moisture create good conditions for grass seed to get established before winter. Look around your yard for worn areas, bare spots, or places where the grass has struggled throughout the summer. A little preparation now can mean a healthier, fuller lawn when spring arrives

Don’t Forget About Your Trees Take a look at the trees around your property while you can still see their structure clearly. Keep an eye out for dead branches, low-hanging limbs, or areas that may need attention before winter weather arrives. And while you’re looking up, take a look down, too. Fallen leaves can hide drainage problems, uneven areas, and other things you may want to address before spring. What Should You Do With All Those Leaves? Once the leaves really start coming down, it can be tempting to think the only answer is to rake them all up and get rid of them. But your leaves can actually be useful. Mulching leaves into your lawn can return organic matter and nutrients to the soil. Leaves can also be collected and composted or used as a natural layer in garden beds. If you have more leaves than you know what to do with, you can also look into having them composted or using finished leaf compost in your landscape beds and gardens. The point is, they’re great a resource that’s already sitting in your yard.

Thinking About a New Patio or Walkway? You don’t have to wait until spring to start thinking about your next outdoor project. In fact, fall and winter can be a great time to start planning. If you’ve been dreaming about a new patio, walkway, fire pit, retaining wall, or outdoor living area, now is a good time to start thinking about the layout, materials, and overall look you want. That way, when spring arrives, you’re ready to go instead of starting from scratch. Start Planning Now Not every fall landscape project needs to happen before winter. Sometimes the most useful thing you can do is simply make a list. Maybe you want to refresh your mulch next spring. Maybe you’ve been thinking about adding a patio. Maybe you need to address drainage or finally tackle that retaining wall you’ve been talking about for the last three years. Whatever it is, getting a head start gives you time to think through your options instead of trying to make decisions when everyone is suddenly ready to start their spring projects. Think Beyond This Fall Your outdoor space is an extension of your home, and a little planning can go a long way. Whether you’re getting your property ready for winter, refreshing your landscape beds, addressing drainage, or dreaming about a bigger project for next year, fall is a great time to take a step back and look at what you’d like your property to look like and how you’d like to use it. And when you’re ready, stop by and see us. We’re happy to help you talk through materials, quantities, and ideas for your next project. Until next time, Ian & Lindsay, Owners

We have narrowed down our Ice melt options to 3 great and versatile products.

–Purple Ice melt most popular with our Contractors for professional applications to residential and commercial properties.

— Halite the most common known and efficient for all application.

— Our newest choice is Pet Friendly Magnesium Chloride. Efficient and won’t burn your puppies feet during the daily walks!

Introducing Longleaf Pine Straw Mulch

What is so special about Pine Straw Mulch?

Pine Straw spreads in your plant beds and around your trees differently so you end up using less.  

It is sold in bales and spread with a rake.  Many find it easier to use, and easier to transport.

In areas with dense pine tree cover, pine straw can have an especially aesthetically pleasing look.

Pine Straw helps create the necessary environment to stimulate healthy plant development so it  promotes uniform plant growth and slowly decomposes to release organic nutrients that enrich the soil.

Insulation is a key Pine Straw characteristic, and as a result, a plant’s root system and the lower stems of plants stay cooler in warm weather and remain warmer in colder weather.

Pine Straw can be used to lightly cover delicate plants when the weather turns cooler and there is a threat of frost.  It can be piled over plants to protect them and create a greenhouse like effect. 

The manufacturing  of pine straw doesn’t require heavy grinding machinery to make it, reducing the carbon footprint.

Mulches act as a catalyst in creating favorable growing conditions for plants.  In other words,.  A layer of Pine Straw helps keep the roots of tender plants from freezing. 

Many people believe that pine straw might make their soil too acidic. While it is true that pine trees shed their needles to kill off competing plants, the slightly acidic nature of the needle entirely dissipates after a few days. However, the dry pine straw you buy in bales is neutral and will not change your soil chemistry. 

Does not have to be removed. All you need to do is put fresh straw on the top of old straw to revitalize the color and provide beds with new nutrients.

Which mulch is best?  That is up to each individual.  Conestoga now offers you more choices.  However, you should always choose to mulch.  

Tips to keep in mind about all mulchs:

1. Mulch at least once a year, though two times is preferable,
2. Spread mulch until it is about 2 or 3 inches thick.
3. If weeds are a huge problem, you can spread mulch as thick as 6 inches,
4. Do not pile mulch around the trunks of shrubs or trees,
5. Remember to edge your beds before mulching.
6. Mulches act as a catalyst in creating favorable growing conditions for plants.
7. Pine Straw, while beneficial, should not be placed up against the foundation of your house.

We have beautiful pallets of West Mountain Stone and Blue Standup Stone. Take a look at our new variety of palletized options filled with natural color patterns to accentuate any project or be the focal point!

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