Pumpkin lattes are beginning to appear at the local coffee shop, which means fall is on the way! It’s difficult to imagine now, but in just six weeks we’ll be talking about early frosts. Time flies! That's why it's important to gear up now for fall landscape work so everything on your list gets done. To help you get organized, here’s a quick rundown of common landscape projects listed in order of attack.
Aug. 15 to Sept. 15 is the best time to seed cool season grasses, including Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue.
Getting your seeding done as early as possible is critical, because each week of delay translates into two to four additional weeks required for the grass to mature. Seed tall fescue no later than mid-September. Tall fescue seedlings take a longer time to develop cold hardiness, so get your seeding done early.
Fall is, in fact, the best time of year for seeding lawns due to a combination of factors. First, there's less weed pressure than in spring, and late summer weather is less problematic during the soil preparation phase. Plus, the extended period of cool weather, usually with good rainfall, that occurs from September through late November is ideal for growth of cool season turfgrasses.
Establishing Lawns From Seed, UNL Turf info, https://turf.unl.edu/sites/unl.
edu.ianr.agronomy-horticulture.
turf/files/media/file/Establishing-lawn-fromseed2012l.pdf Improving Turf in Fall, UNL Turf info, https://turf.unl.
edu/sites/unl.edu.ianr.
agronomy-horticulture.turf/files/media/file/ImprovingTurfinFallPrograms2010A.pdf Fall is the best time of year to plant new trees, from early September through late October.
Fall's cooler temperatures and increased rain allows trees to establish their root systems quickly, giving them a jump-start on spring growth. Tree root growth continues late in fall, until soil temperatures drop below 40 degrees. How to Plant a Tree, Nebraska Forest Service, https://nfs.
unl.edu/publications/how-to-plant-a-tree Trees for Eastern Nebraska, Nebraska Forest Service, https://plantnebraska.org/file_download/inline/4df572a6-1d34-45cc-b952-cc64824b5056 Trees for Western Nebraska, Nebraska Forest Service, https://plantnebraska.
org/file_download/inline/fce4f0ee-a92a-4df8-8039-5e70b0d5c825 September is also a great time to divide or relocate perennials that bloom in spring and early summer. Dividing Perennials, Backyard Farmer, https://youtu.be/KUPyuDGsTNw Despite what fertilizer companies promote, fall lawn fertilization is not an absolute requirement.
If you're happy with the color, density and growth rate of your lawn, then fall fertilization may not be necessary. This is especially true if you've been returning the clippings to the lawn all season, which returns up to 1 pound nitrogen per 1,000 square feet to your turf, the equivalent of one fertilizer application. "Young" lawns, those which are newly established or on soil that has been disturbed in the last 20 years, may benefit from fall fertilization.
Use a fertilizer with 30% to 50% quick release/water soluble nitrogen. This will provide even release throughout fall. To determine whether the product you are buying contains quick or slow release nitrogen, check the active ingredient statement on the front of the bag.
• Water soluble nitrogen sources: urea, ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate, calcium nitrate, monoammonium phosphate, diammonium phosphate • Slow release nitrogen sources: sulfur coated urea, urea formaldehyde, IBDU, polymer coated fertilizer (PCF), Milorganite Cool Season Lawn Calendar: Eastern Nebraska, Nebraska Extension, https://turf.unl.edu/sites/unl.
edu.ianr.agronomy-horticulture.
turf/files/media/file/Eastern-NE-TurfCoolSeasonLawnCalendar-7-7-23.pdf Cool Season Lawn Calendar: Western Nebraska, Nebraska Extension, https://turf.unl.
edu/sites/unl.edu.ianr.
agronomy-horticulture.turf/files/media/file/WesternNE-TurfCoolSeasonLawnCalendar-7-7-23.pdf September is the best time of year to control tough perennial weeds in the landscape.
At this time of year, they begin moving carbohydrates from the leaves down to the roots for winter storage. When herbicides are applied in September, they are transported to weed roots along with the carbohydrates, killing the entire plant instead of just the leaves. And even if the chemical doesn't completely kill the weed, the plant goes into winter in a weakened condition and is much more susceptible to winter kill.
Finally, the potential for 2,4-D and dicamba herbicide drift damage to non-target species is lessened in fall. Winter annual weeds, like annual bluegrass, goosegrass, field speedwell and henbit, germinate in the fall, overwinter as a small rosette of foliage, and begin growing again in early spring. They complete their life cycle and go to seed in spring or early summer.
Gardeners usually want to control these weeds in spring when they are blooming, but that’s not the best strategy. If you had these weeds in your landscape this spring, they should have disappeared by now but their seeds will still be there. Winter annual weeds are best controlled in September.
Mulch and an application of pre-emergent herbicide are the best methods of control. Make use of your fall leaves to create your own compost -- a wonderful soil amendment. Compost is simple and inexpensive to make.
It can be used in the garden to amend the soil, mulch and fertilize plants. Adding compost to heavy clay soil with lighten, loosen and improve drainage, while adding it to sandy soil will increase water and nutrient holding capacity. Turn the leaves you clean up in the fall into your own compost.
Join Nebraska Extension Master Gardeners at Pioneers Park this fall to learn how to build and manage a compost pile. The demonstration site is south of the Nature Center, across the road. Look for the Nebraska Extension banner.
Both programs start at 10 a.m., one on Sept.
28 and one on Oct. 12. Garden Compost, Nebraska Extension, https://extensionpubs.
unl.edu/publication/g2222/garden-compost New research has ended the recommendation for late fall or winterizer fertilizer applications on most lawns. Turf growth slows in the late fall and plants take in few nutrients.
At the same time, nitrogen leaching potential is highest. For these reasons, the recommendation for a heavy late fall application on well-established lawns has ended. If your grass is dark green, healthy and thick no additional fertilizer is needed at this time of year.
Young, newly established lawns or those which suffered pest damage this summer, may still benefit from late fall fertilization. Apply 0.5 pounds nitrogen per 1,000 square feet using a quick release nitrogen product from October 15-30 in both eastern or western Nebraska.
Most deciduous or shade trees are best pruned during the dormant season, so save your pruning at least until all the leaves have fallen from the trees. Ideally pruning should take place in late winter just before spring growth starts -- late March. Tree growth is maximized and wound closure is fastest if pruning is done at this time.
However, flowering trees, like Japanese lilac and magnolia, should be pruned right after they finish blooming to prevent the removal of flower buds during fall or winter pruning. This means they should have been pruned earlier in the summer. If you prune spring and early summer blooming plants during winter, it won’t kill the plants but will affect next year’s blooms.
Pruning Trees, Nebraska Forest Service, https://nfs.unl.edu/publications/pruning-trees Welcome to luxury townhome living.
This walkout ranch is offering over 2000 total square feet of finished living space. This 3 bedroom/3 bathroom open concept townhome features main level laundry w/barn door, a generous covered deck, covered patio and large master suite with over-sized walk-in closet. You will find custom cabinets and granite counter tops in the kitchen/dining area.
Stainless steel kitchen appliances and pantry. Exterior features include maintenance free vinyl siding/stone, 2-stall garage, underground sprinklers. HOA amenities include lawn care, snow removal, garbage/recycle removal.
View More August completion! Welcome to Wilderness Hills Luxury Townhomes, a stunning development brought to you by Smetter Homes! This captivating zero-entry, 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom ranch-style floor plan boasts a finished basement, first-floor laundry for added convenience, a generously sized kitchen pantry and a spacious primary suite. Both the interior and exterior of these townhomes feature superior products, including a maintenance-free natural stone and vinyl exterior, enhanced sound-proofing between units and an energy-efficient all-electric heat pump. Step inside to discover the timeless elegance of granite countertops throughout, complemented by recessed lighting, a beautiful white subway tile backsplash and stainless steel Whirlpool appliances (refrigerator included).
Plus, a noteworthy bonus: fences are allowed in this development. Contact us today to schedule a private showing! *Photos are simulated* View More This townhome is COMPLETE! (The open house addresses are 6964 Serpentine & 1951 Battista) Introducing Stone Bridge Creek Luxury Townhomes, by Smetter Homes! This gorgeous 3-bedroom, 3-bath ranch-style floor plan offers a finished basement, spacious primary suite, convenient first-floor laundry and zero entry from the garage. Emphasizing quality inside and out, the townhomes feature maintenance-free natural stone and vinyl exterior, along with additional sound-proofing between units and an energy-efficient all-electric heat pump.
Inside, the elegance continues with beautiful QUARTZ countertops throughout, complemented by recessed lighting, soft-close kitchen cabinetry, charming white subway tile backsplash and stainless steel Whirlpool appliances (including refrigerator). Take advantage of the opportunity to own a luxurious townhome in Stone Bridge Creek, where you can also enjoy the bonus of allowed fences. Schedule your private showing today! *Photos simulated* View More OCTOBER COMPLETION (The open house address is 9949 Kings Corner).
Welcome to Wilderness Hills Luxury Townhomes, a stunning development brought to you by Smetter Homes! This captivating zero-entry, 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom ranch-style floor plan boasts a finished basement, first-floor laundry for added convenience, a generously sized kitchen pantry and a spacious primary suite. Both the interior and exterior of these townhomes feature superior products, including a maintenance-free natural stone and vinyl exterior, enhanced sound-proofing between units and an energy-efficient all-electric heat pump. Step inside to discover the timeless elegance of granite countertops throughout, complemented by recessed lighting, a beautiful white subway tile backsplash and stainless steel Whirlpool appliances (refrigerator included).
Plus, a noteworthy bonus: fences are allowed in this development. Contact us today to schedule a private showing! *Photos are simulated* View More Walkout ranch, backs to trees! (The open house addresses are 6964 Serpentine & 1951 Battista). Introducing Stone Bridge Creek Luxury Townhomes, by Smetter Homes! This gorgeous 3-bedroom, 3-bath ranch-style floor plan offers a finished basement, spacious primary suite, convenient first-floor laundry and zero entry from the garage.
Emphasizing quality inside & out, the townhomes feature maintenance-free natural stone and vinyl exterior, along with additional sound-proofing between units and an energy-efficient all-electric heat pump. Inside, the elegance continues with beautiful granite countertops throughout, complemented by recessed lighting, soft-close kitchen cabinetry, charming white subway tile backsplash and stainless steel Whirlpool appliances (including refrigerator). Take advantage of the opportunity to own a luxurious townhome in Stone Bridge Creek, where you can also enjoy the bonus of allowed fences.
Schedule your private showing today! *Photos simulated* View More Welcome to 5951 Opus Circle, located in the ever popular Vintage Heights Subdivision. You will most definitely want to see this efficiently designed open concept floor plan built by Nelson Construction and Design. This five bedroom home features three of the bedrooms on the main level, extremely large primary bedroom/primary bath.
Kitchen appliances upgraded to stainless steel, granite counter tops throughout the whole house. Options are endless in the basement, plenty of room for pool table, ping pong, shuffle board - it's all up to you. Exterior of the home is completely 100% maintenance free, three stall finished, extra deep garage, and a very large cul-de-sac lot gives you more than you could ever want.
Please do not miss out on this one! Outstanding neighborhood, middle school kids can enjoy the newer school and YMCA, brand new High School, and walking distance to Kloefkorn Elementary. Call today to schedule your own private showing. View More Townhome living at its best.
Beautiful open floor plan. Angled front door for privacy. The kitchen features a large granite or quartz peninsula, walk in pantry, great cabinet space, full tile back splash, crown molding, & whirlpool appliances.
Dining area is large enough to extend your table for big gatherings if needed. Large Livingroom with a fireplace to keep you warm and cozy in the winter months. Main floor laundry.
Primary bedroom has a walk-in closet, tile shower, and dual sinks. 2nd bedroom on the main floor. Covered deck.
Walkout basement has a large family room, 3rd and 4th bedrooms, and full bath. Full yard sod, & underground sprinklers. HOA includes lawn care, snow removal, and garbage.
View More Oct. completion (Open house addresses are 6964 Serpentine & 1951 Battista). Walkout ranch, backs up to trees! Introducing Stone Bridge Creek Luxury Townhomes, by Smetter Homes! This gorgeous 2-bedroom, 3-bath ranch-style floor plan offers a finished basement, spacious primary suite, convenient first-floor laundry and zero entry from the garage.
Emphasizing quality inside and out, these townhomes feature maintenance-free natural stone and vinyl exterior, along with additional sound-proofing between units and an energy-efficient all-electric heat pump. Inside, the elegance continues with beautiful granite countertops throughout, complemented by recessed lighting, soft-close kitchen cabinetry, charming white subway tile backsplash and stainless steel Whirlpool appliances (including refrigerator). Take advantage of the opportunity to own a luxurious townhome in Stone Bridge Creek, where you can also enjoy the bonus of allowed fences.
Schedule private showing today! View More (The open house addresses are 6964 Serpentine & 1951 Battista). Introducing Stone Bridge Creek Luxury Townhomes, by Smetter Homes! This gorgeous 2-bedroom, 3-bath ranch-style floor plan offers a finished basement, spacious primary suite, convenient first-floor laundry and zero entry from the garage. Emphasizing quality inside and out, the townhomes feature maintenance-free natural stone and vinyl exterior, along with additional sound-proofing between units and an energy-efficient all-electric heat pump.
Inside, the elegance continues with beautiful granite countertops throughout, complemented by recessed lighting, soft-close kitchen cabinetry, charming white subway tile backsplash and stainless steel Whirlpool appliances (including refrigerator). Take advantage of the opportunity to own a luxurious townhome in Stone Bridge Creek, where you can also enjoy the bonus of allowed fences. Schedule your private showing today! *Photos are simulated* View More AUGUST/SEPTEMBER COMPLETION (The open house addresses are 6964 Serpentine & 1951 Battista).
Introducing Stone Bridge Creek Luxury Townhomes, by Smetter Homes! This gorgeous 3-bedroom, 3-bath 2-story floor plan offers a spacious primary suite, laundry conveniently located by the bedrooms and a nice covered patio. Emphasizing quality inside and out, these townhomes feature maintenance-free natural stone and vinyl exterior, along with additional sound-proofing between units and an energy-efficient all-electric heat pump. Inside, the elegance continues with beautiful granite countertops throughout, complemented by recessed lighting, soft-close kitchen cabinetry, charming white subway tile backsplash and stainless steel Whirlpool appliances (including refrigerator).
Take advantage of the opportunity to own a luxurious townhome in Stone Bridge Creek, where you can also enjoy the bonus of allowed fences. Schedule your private showing today! *Photos are simulated* View More Sarah Browning is an extension educator with Nebraska Extension. To ask a question or reach her, call 402-441-7180 or write to her at sarah.
[email protected] or 444 Cherrycreek Road, Lincoln, NE 68528. Learn more about Nebraska Extension at Extension.
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