It has been a hot summer!
With things finally cooling off, the plants are growing again and there is a lot to get done before winter. Here are some of the services we are providing for fall cleanups this year:
Weed Removal
I have been doing a ton of weed removal all summer and it seems like I’ll be doing a lot more this fall. Everywhere I look there is always another weed and there is always more work to do. A “weed” is just a plant you don’t like. This includes all the spiky, aggressive weeds, as well as dead or diseased plants and could even include healthy plants if you are making changes to your garden. Getting your weeds under control can really transform your yard from a wild jungle to a zen garden.
Shrub Trimming
Fall is a great time to trim back shrubs, trees, and perennials that have gotten out of control over the year. You can do this to get a specific desired shape in your plants or to cut them back because they are blocking a window, pathway, or another plant. Trimming should be done regularly but lightly to avoid damaging your plants. If you trim some plants early enough in fall, you could even get another bloom before winter.
Leaf Removal
Of course the fall is known for the blankets of colorful leaves covering our yards. I like to remove the leaves from the lawn but leave most of them in my gardens. The fallen leaves act as a free mulch providing extra insulation and moisture retention for the soil. The best tool I’ve found for cleaning up leaves is a wide plastic rake. You can use a leaf blower to speed up the process but you will always need a rake when you’re bagging the leaves.
Pest & Disease Control
To prevent pests and disease in your garden, use native varieties of plants, keep a good layer of mulch, and water your garden often if there isn’t much rain. If your plants are already infested with bugs or disease, we can remove affected branches to prevent further infestation. I can’t count the number of beetles I’ve picked off of my client’s rose shrubs in the name of one more bloom!
Mulch & Fertilizer
To protect roots from frost damage, it is a good idea to put down a layer of mulch in the fall. I like to use natural, undyed cedar wood chips. The bark nuggets are beautiful too but more expensive and hard to find. You can also layer the mulch with compost to add nutrients to the soil. Research your specific plants to understand what kind of fertilizer they need. Protecting and enriching your garden’s soil will go far in producing healthy plants.
Tree Wrap
Many plants that we see in our gardens are not suitable for this climate and need extra protection in the winter. Sensitive shrubs and trees can be wrapped to protect them from the cold wind and snow that we get in Ontario.
Book Your 2025 Fall Cleanup
Carroll Property Services is located in Ajax Ontario so we try to keep our service area to Pickering, Ajax, and Whitby with occasional jobs in Oshawa and Scarborough. If you need help with your fall cleanup or any other projects in your garden, text, call, or email me to get a free estimate. If you send lots of details and pictures I can sometimes give you an estimate over the phone, but usually it’s easiest to schedule a time when I can come see the garden in person and discuss your needs.
For a free quote, text or call 289-943-5477.
Cheers!
Scott Carroll
Carroll Property Services
