GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. — The weather feels like winter is already here, but there are still things you can do in your yard to get ready for the upcoming season.
Leaves: As long as they are dry, you can mulch leaves with your lawn mower. If you have just too many for that to be the case, add them to your personal or city compost. But leave the ones in your garden beds, as pollinators and other critters are using them to stay warm this winter.
And while you're dealing with leaves, make sure to clear them and any other debris from the storm drains and gutters on your street. This is huge for keeping our lakes and rivers healthy.
Perennials: Again, for the pollinators and the birds, let them be until spring. This also provides some winter interest to your gardens and helps your plants gather snow around the base, which acts as insulation to keep them alive when the temperature plummets.
The ones that should be trimmed are any that showed signs of disease, mildew or fungus this summer.
Trees: Adding a tree wrap to especially young trees or those with thin bark like fruit trees, can save them from hungry rabbits and deer this winter. Evergreens like yew and arborvitae should be wrapped in burlap to protect them from winter burn.
If you see trees or bushes that still have green leaves they are most likely buckthorn. This time of year is a great time to spot them. Cut them down and carefully treat the stumps with an herbicide or a buckthorn bag.
Then wait for the new seed catalogs to come in the mail and start planning for next year!
Looking for more gardening tips? Check out the 'Grow with KARE' community on Facebook.