South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

Fall landscaping is one smart idea

A lot of homeowners don’t think about having their landscaping done in the fall. Surprisingly, landscape professionals will tell you that in many ways, fall is a better time than spring to undertake “yard remodeling” projects.

There are several logical reasons to get going on landscape projects right now. The most obvious is that having the work done now allows you to enjoy your yard’s improvements all of the following summer. If you don’t start the work until spring, a portion of your summer will be “missed” while the work is being completed.

If that isn’t sufficient motivation, Allan Block, maker of some of America’s most popular landscape blocks, has a list of other good reasons to consider doing your landscape work in the fall:

1. Scheduling/availability of landscape professionals. Since most homeowners tend to start their landscaping projects in the spring, that’s the hardest time to find a qualified professional to do the work promptly. Fall is a much better time of the year for you to find a professional who is available to do the work.

2. Working conditions are better. Since it’s cooler outside, work progresses faster. It’s much easier to install landscape blocks and plantings in 60° weather than 90° weather. Bob Gravier of Allan Block says their professional installers unanimously prefer working in cooler weather.

3. Less rain and mud. April showers bring mud and construction delays. Cooler and dryer fall months translate into faster progress on any project you may be considering. Moving soil is easier and there will be much less damage to your yard when work takes place in the fall.

4. Fall plantings grow better in the spring. Many bushes, shrubs and plants do better when planted in the fall. If you get them in now, you’ll benefit from a full season of growth next year, and they won’t suffer from transplant stress during the hot days of summer.

No matter when you do the work, landscape improvements such as retaining walls, raised planters, patios, and entertainment areas are always a great investment in your home. It’s also a good idea to use permanent materials such as interlocking landscape blocks and concrete or stone pavers. You only have to do the job once, and those materials are maintenance free forever.

If you’re looking for inspiration, Allan Block has hundreds of creative landscaping projects for you to view on its Web site. Visit www.allanblock.com for great ideas and the location of your nearest Allan Block landscape professional.

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