Boy did the summer get away from us… and so did those flower beds. You might be looking over at your yard, shaking your head and wondering, “How did we get here?” Sure, you waged a valiant war all summer, but your will to fight those weeds might be waning. And, while it may seem like your yard is past the point of no return, don’t panic. There’s a silver lining buried beneath those overgrown weeds.
The good news? There’s still time to get your yard back in tip-top shape before fall hits full force. A late summer cleanup isn’t just about making things look better (though that’s a bonus). It’s also about setting your yard and garden up for success in the season ahead.
Here are the top five reasons to do a late summer cleanup and why your garden will thank you.
1. Weed out the chaos
Depending on how busy you were, weeds may have gotten the best of you this summer, but now they’re wearing out and you’ve got the upper hand. It’s the time of the year when growth slows down, allowing for the perfect time to get a handle on them. Tackling weeds now means that work put in now is more likely to stick, making it easier to stay ahead of them next season. Think of it as setting yourself up for success by putting your garden on a path to recovery. It’s a fresh start that pays off in both the short and long term.
2. Get ahead of the big drop
Leaves will be dropping soon and fast. Prepping your yard now gives you a leg up before the inevitable fall leaf exodus begins. When your garden beds are already cleaned and your plants are trimmed, managing leaf cleanup becomes just that much easier. Get plant care out of the way so you can focus on maintaining a beautiful outdoor space that’s ready to handle fall, not just playing catch up from the season before.
3. Make room for fall blooms
If summer fun took you away from your beloved garden at times, don’t sweat it. Keep that passion alive by reimagining a gorgeous fall garden. A late summer cleanup clears the way for fall planting. Removing weeds and overgrowth in your garden allows you to see what you are working with. Where are existing plants? Where is there room for new additions? Make up for loss time this summer and get those fall bulbs in the ground during this ideal time.
4. Prep the yard for fall fun
It’s no secret that the summer’s heat can get in the way of having a good time. No pool? No problem. Whether it’s a cozy bonfire in your firepit, evening cocktails, or a weekend cookout, fall is the unsung hero of backyard entertaining. What better incentive to get your yard spick and span than making sure it’s safe for play and ready for some fall fun. A clean, fresh yard creates a welcoming space you’ll actually want to show off. Plus, sprucing up your landscape now means less scrambling later when it’s time to host.
5. Prune like a pro
Late summer is prime time for pruning large overgrown shrubs. Why? Because trimming them now helps shape your greenery before it goes dormant for winter, which means better growth control and shape retention come spring. Wait too long, and those same shrubs will bounce back even wilder next year. A little pruning now = a lot less hassle later.
To sum it up…
Cut yourself some slack if you were too busy to touch your garden this summer. There is still time to get things in order before fall comes in full swing. Scheduling a late summer cleanup is a savvy long term solution to get ahead and stay there. Consider bringing in a knowledgeable team to give your garden the attention it needs. When you hire the experts, you not only can trust that your garden is in good hands, but you’re setting the stage for easier maintenance and a fall season full of possibilities. Skip the pruning on the weekends, relax and spend your time enjoying apple cider at a pumpkin patch instead.
Love your garden. We do.
Spotts Garden Service has been Indianapolis homeowners’ trusted garden team for over 20 years. We’re more than just gardeners. We’re designers, arborists, horticulturists, chemical technicians, and conservators. With a focus on creating beautiful, personal outdoor spaces that are functional and sustainable, Spotts Garden Service provides:
- Expert garden care; including technical pruning
- Garden design and installation
- Seasonal property clean-ups
- Year-round maintenance
- Garden planning and consulting
- Garden coaching
- Invasive removal with chemical intervention
- Residential and commercial annuals; containers and in-ground