Ask A Local Expert: Fall Clean-Up Tips

Welcome to Ask A Local Expert!, a weekly column offering seasonal and timely tips to help navigate changing seasons, holidays and upcoming events.  

As we anticipate the coming of autumn, we wanted to find out if landscaping expert Larry Saggese had any tips for a fall yard clean-up.  

Saggese has owned and operated Saggese Landscaping in Danvers for over ten years.  Saggese offers his best advice on what homeowners can do to improve their lawn next Spring by taking measures now.

Tips For Fall Clean-Up

According to Larry Saggese, owner of Saggese Landscaping, a healthy lawn is one that is monitored and maintained.  The timing of fertilizer and aerating is important, as well as maintaining the PH levels. “You take care of your body by giving it nutrients, your lawn is the same way. It wont flourish without the proper levels of nutrients and proper maintenance,” Saggese explained.

1- Lyme your lawn.  You have to neutralize the acids in the soil, doing so allows the fertilizer to absorb the nutrients and brings the PH levels up.

2- Aerate your lawn.  It helps water absorb into the root system before they go dormant for the winter.  High traffic areas need to be aerated a couple times a year.

3- Protect your shrubs and ornamental tress. Now is the time to brace them and cover them, especially if they have shallow root base.

4- Recycle leaves and grass clippings by spreading them over your perennials.  Because they are organic and are full of nutrients, as they break down those nutrients will seep into the soil and be absorbed into perennials for next Spring.

5- Determine the PH Level of your lawn by taking a plug of soil to a nursery, like Northeast Nursery.  By identifying the levels of nitrogen and phosphorus in the soil, you will be in a better position to give your lawn exactly what it needs to thrive.

If you're a local expert too, we want to hear from you! Leave your advice in our comments section.