With fall’s arrival comes a slew of gardening chores, the joys of planting, and getting the landscape ready for its winter dormancy. You may be wondering, where do I even start? Here are six ways a garden supply store and plant nursery can help you prepare for fall near York, PA.

Related: A PLANT NURSERY SUGGESTS THESE PLANTS TO REALLY MAKE A LANDSCAPE POP IN THE LANCASTER, PA AREA

1. Plants

Trees, shrubs, and perennials (including bulbs) can be planted in early fall. If you already have an idea of which species you’d like to add to your landscape, don’t delay in getting them, because you want to plant them while the ground is still warm, and the roots have a chance to work themselves into the soil. Waiting until just before the first frost could damage your new plantings and set your landscaping back.

We recommend choosing native species over imported exotics. Most of the time, you can achieve virtually the same look, but in plants that have evolved to be perfectly suited for the local climate. You’ll save a lot of money on watering, fertilizer, and pest control by choosing natives.

2. Mulch

As you tidy up your plant beds for the season—deadheading, removing dead plants, etc.—this could be the perfect time to replenish mulch that has eroded or decomposed. Whether or not you’re adding plants to your landscape in fall, you want to make sure that your trees, shrubs, and flowers are protected during the coldest months. Mulch helps plants regulate their temperature, and it prevents loss of moisture. If you’re tired of replacing organic mulch every year, consider decorative stone. With the exception of returning nutrients to the soil, stone mulch can do virtually the same job as organic mulch. Let our nursery experts help you choose the best mulch for your landscape.

3. Tools

Rakes are one of the most essential gardening tools you can own. Raking helps break up fallen leaves so the leaf particles work themselves into the lawn or plant beds, where they decompose and add nutrients to the soil. A plant nursery will have a selection of rakes, as well as other gardening tools that will help you care for your landscape year-round including aeration spikes, pruning shears, chainsaws, and shovels. Our experts are here to help you choose the best tools for the job, within your budget.

4. Hardscape Supplies

Prevent damage from the freeze-thaw cycle, simplify maintenance, and keep your hardscape looking its best by thoroughly cleaning and sealing your natural stone and paver surfaces as well as wood decks and poured concrete surfaces. Our experts will help you choose the right cleaners and sealants for every part of your hardscape.

5. Outdoor Structures

You may have noticed the mad rush that went on in spring and summer as landscape professionals and contractors pursued materials for pergolas, gazebos, pavilions, in addition to outdoor structure kits. If there’s a wait, it’s worth it—installing a shelter structure will help you squeeze even more enjoyment out of your landscape.

6. Fire Features

Just like outdoor shelter structures, a fire feature will greatly extend your ability to enjoy your outdoor spaces as the temperatures drop and days shorten. An outdoor fireplace or fire pit can quickly become everyone’s favorite outdoor feature!

Related: OUR GARDEN SUPPLY STORE COULD SUGGEST THESE SPRINGTIME PLANTS FOR YOUR YORK AND LANCASTER, PA, AREA PROJECTS

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