Fall Planting in the Bluegrass

It's Fall Y'all! I know Fall can be a busy time of year. School starts,

Kentucky football, basketball, Thanksgiving, and Christmas seems to roll around faster with each passing year.

With everything going on, don’t forget that fall is an ideal time for planting in your garden. Cooler temperatures and consistent rainfall make it a great time for plants to start their journey in your yard. There are many reasons planting in the fall is ideal. Planting several weeks before the first freeze gives the plant time to establish a solid root system. An established root system will allow the plant to become hardy and tolerate hot or dry summer conditions.

Remember that just because the weather is starting to cool off, doesn’t mean you can slack off when watering your plants. Water your plants thoroughly to help create soil to root contact. Once you have planted your tree or shrub be sure to apply mulch to help insulate the plant for the upcoming winter.

As fall approaches we will start to see less insects. This is good news for planting because pest threats are minimized, as well as, disease. One nice convenience factor for fall planting is the temperature. Cooler temperatures typically make planting a lot easier when digging a hole, planting, and mulching versus the hot, dry summer soil.

One more note regarding fall planting; All of the above tips work the same for transplanting. If you have the urge to move some plants in your garden, fall is the perfect time!

freshly mowed, green field

7 Planting Tips

Landscaped bed with walkway

When you are walking through your local nursery this spring and you see an annual, perennial, shrub or tree that catches your eye think about where you will plant it in your garden. Often times people will purchase a plant and install it in an area where it isn’t setup for success due to a variety of reasons. Here are 7 questions to ask yourself when deciding where to install your new plant.

1. How much sunlight does the area get?

How many hours per day?

Morning sun vs. Afternoon sun (Afternoon sun is more intense)

2. How much rain does the area typically get?

Does a structure shield rainfall from getting to the area?

Does the area get more water than others because of a nearby downspout?

4. How much wind does the area get?

It's important to know this especially in the winter months when winds can be brutally cold.

5. Soil type?

What is the pH level?

6. What planting zone?

Central Kentucky is zone 6

7. Eventual size of plant?

Will this plant cover up my windows or take over my sidewalk/ patio in several years?

Hopefully the above items will guide you to finding the perfect spot for your new plant.

Happy Planting!

Spring Time in Kentucky: Drainage Solutions for Your Lawn and Landscape

Does your lawn seem like it will never dry out? Kentucky’s crazy weather in the spring consists of rain, snow, and every other type of moisture. Residential yards can take weeks to dry. A muddy yard is a messy place for your kids and even dogs to run and play, not to mention muddy footprints on your floors! Excess moisture can pose an issue in the warmer months as mosquitos and other inspects gather around wet areas. Solutions to these problems can make your property a safe and clean space.

Ways to improve drainage issues:

1. Appropriate downspout and splash block.

2. If there is no slope for the water to run away from the foundation, attach a PVC drainage pipe and run the pipe underground to an area that allows the water to run downhill.

3. If there is no downhill slope falling away from the foundation a “Flo-well” is a great option. A “Flo-well” will hold up to 50 gallons of water and slowly releases the water 2-3’ below grade.

4. Make sure you don’t have too much canopy cover from surrounding trees. Too much shade will cause your turf to struggle. In areas where your turf is thin, rainfall cannot be sufficiently absorbed causing a muddy mess.

5. If you have siding on your home, make sure your mulch isn’t above the lowest portion of the siding, as this can cause leaks into your home and basement.

6. Make sure all drains around your home are clear of soil and debris.

Hopefully this information has given you some ideas on how to solve your drainage issues. Terrain is more than happy to discuss your landscape projects with no consultation costs. Feel free to fill out our “Get an Estimate” form and we will contact you.