When it comes to maintaining your grounds of gardens in the autumn, there are a number of tasks that need to be undertaken. Whether it’s lawn preparation, hedge and tree trimming, or wildflower turf care, there’s a lot of tasks to get through. But one thing you shouldn’t overlook is weed control. So what is the importance of weeding in the autumn? And why should you choose a professional grounds team for your autumn maintenance, including weeding?
So, what is the importance of weeding in the autumn?
There are a number of reasons why professional weed control is so important in the autumn months. These include:
- Reducing seeds from weeds
- Reducing weed root growth
- Improving the health of the soil
- Preparing your grounds for spring
Weeding in the autumn can reduce seeds
One of the most important reasons why weeding is so important in the autumn is that this action can prevent weeds from casting as many seeds throughout the season, reducing the amount of weeds in the winter and spring. Many species of weed are very prolific, releasing hundreds or thousands of seeds. These are able to stay dormant throughout the colder, wetter, winter months, and will begin to grow again in spring. By thoroughly weeding in the autumn, you can interrupt the seed distribution cycle, reducing the weeds that will appear next year.
Weeding in the autumn disturbs root growth
In the autumn months, most weeds focus their energy on root growth beneath the ground, anchoring the plant in for the winter months and ensuring it’s survival for the following year. As a result, through and effective weeding can disrupt this root growth and so even if the weed cannot be removed entirely, its growth will be stilted and delayed, which means that it will struggle to stay alive through the winter. Autumn also presents the perfect weather and ideal soil conditions for weeding, as it tends to be damp. This means that soil is looser and weeds can be removed from the root much easier.
Improving soil health
As discussed above, weeds spend the autumn months growing strong and elaborate root structures which have the tendency of breaking up the soil, making this looser, while also depleting the nutrients. As a result, these weeds will be stronger when competing against your planted shrubs or flowers, or even your lawn, and this will reduce the overall health of your garden. As such, removing these weeds in the autumn can help to improve the health of your soil, and ensure that your plants have access to the nutrients they need.
Preparing your grounds for spring
Finally, weeding in the autumn is an important step for preparing your ground for spring. Thorough and professional weed control at this time of the year can give a head start to your spring flowering plants and shrubs, as they wont need to compete with as many weeds for nutrients. Weed removal now also improves the fertility and health of soil, so that your chosen plants can grow healthier and stronger.
For high quality, professional and reliable gardens and grounds maintenance you can count on, all year round, get in touch with the experts today, here at Green Scenery. We are Preston’s leading garden and grounds maintenance experts for both commercial and residential properties.