The Sanchez Team

11112 NE Halsey Street
Portland, OR 97220

Flourishing by referrals
since 1979

1. Rake, Rattle and Roll!
Convince yourself that raking leaves can be fun. Rather than wait for a single weekend, break this chore into stages. Matted leaves can lead to insects and disease problems and smother your turf, especially cool season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass.

2. To Fertilize - or Not To Fertilize?
Cool season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass, fescues and perennial ryegrass often need fertilizer this time of year. Grasses that go dormant in the winter, such as Bermuda, Zoysia, and Centipede may not.

3. Repair and Re-seed.
Fall is a great time to repair a damaged lawn and re-seed. Fill any holes or bare spots with topsoil and add grass seed. It's important to choose the right kind of grass for your growing zone. See your local home and garden store for what's best for your area.

4. Don't Forget to Water.
New grass in particular needs frequent but shallow watering. Once the grass is established, water deeply to reach the roots. To minimize the threat of fungal disease, water in the morning or early afternoon so that the grass blades are not moist overnight.

5. Prune With Care.
Pruning promotes growth, so be careful not to encourage growth when plants are about to go dormant. By all means remove diseased, dead or broken branches.

6. Transplant Trees and Shrubs.
Autumn is a great season for transplanting trees and shrubs, allowing roots to get established before the cold sets in. Also, heat stress is not a concern.

7. Spruce Up Flower Beds.
Replace warm-weather annuals with seasonal favorites like pansies and mums. Clean out summer perennials and add a fresh layer of mulch, which can help protect plants from hard freezes.

8. Divide Established Perennials.
If your perennials are looking a bit lackluster or overgrown they may need to be divided. The best candidates have large, healthy clumps and have been in the ground for years. By dividing these in the fall, you'll enjoy healthier plants in more places next spring.

9. Plant Ahead For Spring.
Foolproof and fabulous, spring-flowering bulbs put gardening within everyone's reach. When choosing bulbs, focus on your favorite color, or try shades that accent already established plantings throughout your garden.

Once you get your fall garden to shine, give Realty Brokers a call to get the best price for your property.