Fall Landscaping Tips: Planting New Shrubs and Cutting Back Perennials

As we mentioned, for the next few weeks, we will be giving tips to keeping your lawn beautiful all fall and getting it prepared to survive the winter months. This week, we will be discussing planting new shrubs and cutting back perennials

Plant New Shrubs

In many parts of the country, planting shrubs in early fall gives the plants a head start at establishing roots in the season's cool, moist soil. The basics: Dig a hole (twice the diameter and to a depth of 2 inches less than the full height of the root ball); position the shrub in the hole (make sure the top of the root ball remains at, not below, ground level); fill in with soil; water to settle soil; add more soil to top of root ball (don't pack soil down with foot); mulch.

Cut Back Perennials

A little work now results in healthier spring beds: Evict tired annuals, as well as the snails and slugs that feed on them, which breed in fall. Trim spent perennial foliage down to the ground; this sends energy to the roots, for next season. Every three years, divide crowded tuberous plants, like irises and day lilies: More space means more flowers.