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Follow on Google News | Pruning, Mowing Top Late-Season Checklist for Wisconsin Homeowners’ Winter Yard PreparationLeaf removal from lawns and planting beds critical before cold and snow arrive
By: Grounds Maintenance Services The list isn’t long: Rake leaves. Cut grass. Prune plantings. None are complex. All are essential (http://groundsmaintenancewi.com/ Complicating these tasks, though, is an unseasonal volume of leaves clinging stubbornly to trees. Higher moisture levels, and later-than-normal freezes, have left an unusual amount of foliage still hanging on, said Todd Ruedt, owner of Grounds Maintenance Services (http://groundsmaintenancewi.com/) Nonetheless, homeowners shouldn’t wait. Winter draws closer every day. Leaves already fallen should be removed from lawns and planting beds, Ruedt said. An early snow could trap leaves beneath, killing grass in lawns and inviting fungus growth in planting beds. A final late-season lawn mowing is in order. Grass should be cut down to a 2-inch blade height, Ruedt (http://groundsmaintenancewi.com/ “Contrary to common belief, grass growth is controlled by ground temperature, not air temperature,” The dropping mercury has lulled plants into dormancy, the optimal time for pruning. Deciduous plants – those with leaves – can be safely trimmed back. Pruning should be done with great care. Sharp tools are essential to avoid ragged, injurious cuts. Chemical sealant sprays (“pruning paint”) are unnecessary. Nature heals pruning done properly. Despite spring being months away, most plants have already set their buds for their annual rejuvenation. Live branches on bushes and trees should be trimmed to just above the lowest bud on the branch. Dead, discolored branches and shoots can be completely removed. Evergreens should be left alone. Because they grow year-round, pruning this late opens them to a risk of winter burn, Ruedt said. Evergreens should not be pruned after October. Founded in 1999, Grounds Maintenance Services (http://groundsmaintenancewi.com/ End
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