As fall approaches in Western Michigan, it's time to begin preparing your lawn and garden for the winter months. Instead of the traditional “clean and clear” methods often employed during this time of year, consider taking an approach that benefits both your landscape and the surrounding ecosystem.
Here are four pointers to help your landscape thrive through the winter and prepare for a flourishing spring.
1. Skip the Trimming
Contrary to what many people have been taught, trimming plants in the fall is counterproductive. Pruning encourages growth, which is the last thing you want as winter approaches. Allow your perennials, ornamental grasses, hydrangeas, and shrubs to go dormant naturally, and wait until late March or early April to trim them. These plants not only protect themselves during the colder months but also provide crucial habitats for beneficial insects that support your garden's ecosystem.
2. Mow in Your Leaves
Instead of bagging up leaves, mow them into your lawn weekly throughout the fall. This technique helps prevent weeds and adds valuable organic matter to the soil. Mulched leaves decompose and enrich the soil with essential nutrients, which will give your lawn a head start come spring. However, keep in mind that oak leaves are highly acidic and are not suitable for mulching into your lawn but can be left in garden beds where they won’t harm your plants. In areas where leaves collect and pile up, such as near buildings or in corners, it’s important to rake them away to prevent them from suffocating your plants.
3. Leave the Perennials Alone
Don’t cut down your perennials just yet. These plants offer a safe space for overwintering insects that play an essential role in your landscape's ecosystem. By letting them stand through the winter, you allow these beneficial insects to thrive, supporting biodiversity in your yard. You can cut back these plants in the early spring once the danger of frost has passed.
4. Composting Leaves
Another option for handling fallen leaves is composting. Gather your leaves into a large container, mix in grass clippings, and allow them to decompose over the winter. By spring, you’ll have nutrient-rich compost ready to nourish your garden beds.
Why It Matters
Adopting these alternative cleanup practices in the fall to your yard will not only help your landscape but also benefit the environment. By allowing nature to do its job, you reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and you protect the local ecosystem. Leaving plant debris in place supports the pollinators and beneficial insects that are essential for plant reproduction and soil health.
As you head into winter, remember that the actions you take now will have lasting effects on your outdoor space. By embracing these sustainable practices, you can ensure a healthier, more resilient landscape come spring. These small changes in your fall clean-up routine can save you time and make a world of difference for your lawn’s health and the surrounding ecosystem!
Looking for more fall landscaping tips?
Check out The Joe Gardener Show, Episode 197, where Kelly Norris discusses the benefits of naturalistic gardening.
You can also explore The Know Maintenance Perennial Garden by Roy Diblik for further insights into low-effort, eco-friendly gardening practices.
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