Prepare HOA Landscaping for Fall and Winter

Fall and Winter trimming tips for shrubs, trees and lawns

Fall and winter mark the onset of cold temperatures; the halcyon days of lounging in the spring and summer grass are ending. Trees and some plants hibernate through winter to survive and prepare for the spring.

We can help nature along (now and throughout the year).

Several tips for overall trimming and for winter preparation can make the blooming months tidy, beautiful and consistent with your HOA’s guidelines.

Uniformity, Tidy

How do I make my shrubs and trees uniform and tidy, you ask? First, prune on a mild, dry day. Remove diseased, dead or awry branches. Next, bring attention to removing smaller branches. Come spring, this will increase light, air and chlorophyll intake, subsequently aiding photosynthesis and hearty plant growth.

Cut branches at the node, the point at which one branch or twig attaches to another.

Flower Beds

Trim flower beds so vegetation is contained within its perimeter. Snip flowers a few inches above the ground, again, encouraging robust, flowered growth. Remove all weeds and debris or dead foliage. Once the base soil is exposed, add a layer of compost leaves or other growth-promotion sources. Start by trimming away the perimeter from edging and grass, then tackle the tops.

If you plan on planting again in the spring, cover the garden in a tarp or similar material – this may keep the ground warm as well as prevent the onset of weeds the moment temperatures start to rise again in the spring.

Shrubs and Trees

Shrubs and trees can be difficult and may require an arborist. Some general tips include cutting “within” a tree or shrub, imagining the growth direction – cutting influences how and where branches extend because the cut point acts as a hard-detour and redirects growth – and cutting the branch at a 45-degree angle. Below are some tips and images of best-practices in shaping and pruning. Shaping and cutting the branches can help develop or maintain the structure of the tree.

A rounded pruned shrub:

Pruning and Trimming: Conclusion

Pruning and trimming produce more flowers and fuller foliage. While this may be a tedious project, it is worth the effort to bring out gardens and landscapes worthy of an award.