Turn, Turn, Turn - It’s That Season!

Summer is nearly over! We had joy; we had fun; we had seasons in the sun.* But with August just beginning, it’s time to start thinking about preparing for the fall. 

I know. You’re not ready to put away the swimsuits and grill just yet. Well, you don’t have to. Right now, we’re just talking about thinking ahead. 

They say for every single thing, there is a season, and while raking is the traditional autumnal task, here is what we mean by “preparing for fall” – finishing the work of the summer with seasonal clean-up. So how and why will Mr. Trim help you clean up this season? Turn, turn, turn the metaphorical page, and we’ll tell you. 

What is Seasonal Clean-Up?

So what is seasonal clean-up? Seasonal clean-up is the practice of cleaning up property at the end of each season. Plants have natural cycles that bring about their seasonal chores.

There are different tasks for Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer but for now, we are focusing on summer clean-up. 

It’s the Time of the Season for Trimming & Pruning

Summer is a season of growth. At the end of the summer, you’ll have some plants that did well and some that didn’t. In much the same way, trees and shrubs will have some areas that thrived and others that died. 

Part of our summer seasonal clean-up is trimming down branches to improve shape. Trimming takes a professional hand because while keeping it even matters, what’s even more important is not overdoing it. Over-trimming can damage the plant’s health and, in some cases, inhibit growth or cause premature death. 

Even more critical is pruning branches and parts of plants that aren’t healthy. Both practices help to allow the trees and shrubs to use their energy to ensure their healthy leaves and limbs stay healthy. They also prevent losing the branches at an inopportune time, like when you’re walking beneath them!

Flower Beds

Like trees, flowers will have parts that need pruning. The practice of “dead-heading” involves removing spent blooms. The end of the summer is a great time to do this. 

In addition, because many flower beds have annuals (flowers that only last a year or a season), the end of the season is the perfect time to remove flowers that have died to have the bed clear for next year or make room for fall plants. 

Seasons of Show(ing Mulch)

Seasonal clean-up is also a good time to touch up mulch by adding more or changing it out. That’s partly because of natural breakdown and partly because your gardens may lose some mulch as we clean out flower beds. So as you plan out how your fall will look, we can pick the mulch that best compliments your autumn plants. 

Must Be the Season of the Ditch – Collecting Debris

We’ve got to pick up every ditch. But unfortunately, ditches and other low-lying parts of the property are just a few places where debris can accumulate. This debris might include grass clippings, leaves, dead limbs, or even trash that has collected in some spots in your yard.

Over time this debris builds up before we notice it. The end of each season is an excellent time to take care of this nuisance. We’ll rake out the lawn and flower beds, collecting all leaves, branches, and dead plants. 

Weed Control

Let’s be honest. It’s never the wrong time to pull weeds. But, since we’re cleaning up the property anyway and the weather is getting milder, seasonal clean-up is also the time to weed your lawn and flowerbeds. 

Why Bother with Seasonal Clean-Up?

Now that we’ve discussed the what of seasonal clean-up let’s get into the why. Though you may already be up for a cleaning, there are several benefits to seasonal summer clean-up that you might not yet be aware of.

Your Property Will Look Better

Ok, are you ready for this? I’m guessing you figured this out for yourself, but a neat, clean property looks better!

Obviously, dead plants and debris don’t give a positive impression of your home. Not only that, but cleaning up your yard makes it easier for you to keep it looking great for the next season. 

Makes Room for Fall Work

When we take the time to do seasonal clean-up, fall tasks will be much easier. You’ll want Mr. Trim to rake your leaves before winter, and when you don’t have extra places for the leaves to accumulate, this task will happen with ease. 

In addition, if you’re amending your soil with fertilizer, aerating your lawn, or planting more seeds this fall to fill out your grass, all dead matter will need to be removed from your lawn so the soil and roots can be reached. Therefore, your fertilization, aeration, and overseeding will be more effective when you have planned a seasonal clean-up before it. 

Better for Your Health – Avoid Mold

Dead plants can produce mold, especially when left in place for the winter. That snow mold can harm your health. 

The uncleared brush also allows a breeding ground and hiding place for unwanted pests. When the weather gets colder, the pests might want to move to a new spot – like your house. It’s best to cut that off at the pass. 

Encourage New Growth

Finally, dead plant matter gets in the way of new plant life. When you have dead leaves, thatch, or anything else blocking your grass and flowers, that’s one more obstacle to getting water, sunlight, and nutrients. 

Removing these items will help keep your lawn, flowers, and trees healthy while improving the appearance of all these plants. 

Your Man for All Seasons? Mr. Trim

So, who are you going to call in this in-between time of need? Who’s going to help you weather the summer to fall transition? Mr. Trim, of course!

Proudly serving Durham since 1979, Mr. Trim wants to help you end your summer and begin your fall on a high note! So let Mr. Trim be your man for all seasons. 

* (Terry Jacks – Seasons In The Sun Lyrics.)