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What Should I Do With My Landscaping in the Fall?

Jason Craycraft • April 8, 2023
What Should I Do With My Landscaping in the Fall?

Now that summer is over, you might be looking forward to the cooler temperatures of fall. You might also be happy to get a break from cutting the grass and pulling weeds from your flower beds, but this doesn’t mean that your work is done. You probably want to keep your yard looking great all fall and winter long, and you might be concerned about preparing your lawn for next year’s grass and flowers, too. Luckily, these tips can help you prepare your landscaping for the fall and winter seasons.

Aerate Your Lawn

Fall is the perfect time to aerate your lawn. This helps with moving oxygen, nutrients, and water around in the soil. It also helps make very compact soil much easier to work with. Aerating your lawn makes it easier to plant grass and helps you ensure that your grass is beautiful, healthy, and strong when it grows.

Remove Leaves

Raking leaves is a big job, and it might be something that you dread during the fall. Don’t be tempted to let the leaves pile up in your yard, though, even if you like the seasonal look that they lend to your property… until they begin to rot, that is. Stray leaves can make your lawn look bad and can cause the grass to die as they decay.

Of course, you don’t just have to worry about dead leaves littering your lawn. They can find their way onto your driveway, walkways, patios, and porches, causing a messy look. If they fill your gutters, they can prevent the water from flowing through them properly. Make sure you clean your gutters regularly and use a rake, leaf blower, and broom to get remove from around your property. If you do it regularly throughout the season, you can prevent the leaves from piling up.

Add Mulch

Now is a great time to add mulch to your flower beds and the area around your house. This helps add a little bit of color to a drab, dead lawn, for one thing. Best of all, though, mulch can help protect your plants’ roots from the cold temperatures, helping them survive through the fall and winter. Plus, you’ll probably find that mulch is a good addition all year long, since it can help plants retain nutrients and moisture and can help prevent weeds from growing.

Remove Dead Annuals

The annuals that you planted around your yard might have looked nice all spring and summer long, but it’s time to get rid of them now. Old, dead annuals only make your lawn look more depressing and dull during the fall and winter months. Plus, by removing them now, you can make room for any annuals that you might be hoping to plant next year.

Trim Your Perennials

If you have any sensitive perennials that will not do well in the colder weather, such as exotic flowers or trees that thrive in warmer temperatures, you’ll need to pack them up and move them indoors. Be careful not to damage their root systems when transferring them to a pot.

Bring in Very Sensitive Plants

Although your perennials might not look their best during the winter months, you can make them look better by trimming and pruning them. Not only will this help you prevent them from looking messy, but it will help you keep them healthy until spring.

Drain Your Pond and Water Features

If you have a small pond on your property, you may want to drain the water and clean the pond out before the freezing temperatures hit. If you have fish in your pond, you will obviously need to make other arrangements for them, such as by putting them in an indoor fish tank until you refill your pond. Alternatively, you can enjoy your pond all year long if you add pond heaters, which are designed to keep the water just warm enough that it will not freeze.

Water fountains and other water features can be damaged by the colder temperatures of fall and winter, too. Drain the water out of these features until spring to prevent them from cracking due to the expanding, freezing water.

Add Cold Weather-friendly Plants

Of course, you don’t have to add any plants to your landscaping during the fall. If you are missing the color of your lawn, though, you do have options. Adding evergreen shrubs is always a good idea; they’re generally hardy and easy to take care of, and they look great when planted around the perimeter of the house or in your flowerbeds. They will add a nice touch of greenery to your yard all year long.

Plants that thrive in cooler temperatures, such as mums or poinsettias, are other options. Be aware that these plants probably will not do well when temperatures rise again, unless you provide them with special care.

Invest in a Fireplace or Fire Pit

Even though the weather can get pretty chilly in Ohio during the fall, you might still want to spend time outdoors. Luckily, there is a solution: adding a fireplace or fire pit. An outdoor fireplace or fire pit will help improve the look of your outdoor living space instantly and will provide a nice, cozy glow. Plus, it’ll help keep your patio or other outdoor living space that much warmer on chilly nights. Just make sure that you use your fire pit or outdoor fireplace safely to prevent any accidents.

Now is the time to start preparing your lawn for the cooler weather. The tips above can help you get started, and you can contact Omni Pools & Scapes for help with landscaping, hardscaping and adding outdoor features like fall-friendly fireplaces and fire pits. We also perform grounds maintenance year-round for commercial properties. Call us today to learn more about our services.

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By JASON CRAYCRAFT • December 4, 2024
As the leaves fall and temperatures drop, December marks the time to think about closing your pool for the winter season. Here at Omni Pools & Scapes, we understand that proper winterization is crucial for protecting your pool and ensuring it's ready for use come spring. Here's your step-by-step guide to shutting down your pool the right way: Why Winterize Your Pool? Winterizing your pool isn't just a tradition; it's essential for: Preventing Damage : Ice can expand and crack your pool's structure or equipment. Avoiding Algae and Bacteria : Cold weather doesn't kill all microorganisms, so proper chemical treatment is necessary. Maintaining Water Quality : Ensuring your pool water remains balanced during winter minimizes the effort needed to reopen it. Step-by-Step Winterization Process: Balance the Water Chemistry: Test for pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and chlorine levels. Adjust as necessary to keep your water in balance, which helps in preventing algae and scale during the off-season. Clean the Pool Thoroughly: Remove leaves, debris, and vacuum the pool to leave it clean. Brush the walls to dislodge any dirt or algae. Clean or backwash your filter to ensure it's not clogged with debris from the season. Lower the Water Level: For pools in colder climates like Ohio, lower the water level below the skimmer and return lines to prevent ice damage. However, for pools with an auto-cover, maintain a level that doesn't interfere with the cover's ability to seal. Drain and Store Equipment: Drain the pump, filter, heater, and any other equipment to protect from freezing temperatures. Follow manufacturer guidelines for storage. Remove and store ladders, diving boards, and other accessories in a dry place to prevent rust or damage. Add Winterizing Chemicals: Use a winterizing kit or add chemicals separately to prevent algae growth and maintain water clarity. This typically includes: Shock treatment to kill off any remaining algae and bacteria. Algaecide to prevent growth during winter. Sequestering agents to prevent staining from metals in the water. Install the Pool Cover: For above-ground pools, a solid cover is essential. For in-ground pools, mesh or solid covers can be used, depending on your preference for water management during winter. Ensure the cover is secure and tight to keep out debris and to minimize water accumulation on top. Circulate Water One Last Time: Run your pump with the winterizing chemicals to distribute them evenly. Then, shut down your system. Protect Against Freeze: Use pool antifreeze in skimmer and return lines to prevent freezing and damage. Consider a pool heater or invest in a freeze protection system if you live in an area with extreme cold snaps. 

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By JASON CRAYCRAFT • November 17, 2024
At Omni Pools & Scapes, we believe that the beauty of a well-designed pool area extends beyond the water itself. Hardscaping plays a pivotal role in defining the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your outdoor living space. Let's explore how to integrate hardscapes to elevate your backyard into a true outdoor masterpiece. What is Hardscaping? Hardscaping refers to the non-living features of your landscape, like pathways, patios , retaining walls , and outdoor kitchens . These elements provide structure, facilitate movement, and create focal points or areas for leisure and entertainment. The Role of Hardscaping in Pool Design Functional Aesthetics : Patios : A well-designed patio around your pool can serve as a deck for sunbathing , a dance floor for parties, or a dining area for al fresco meals. Choose materials that complement your pool's style, whether it's natural stone for a rustic feel or sleek concrete for modern elegance. Walkways : These guide guests around your pool safely while adding to the overall design. They can be made of pavers, gravel, or even wood, depending on the ambiance you wish to create. Defining Spaces : Outdoor Kitchens : Imagine walking from your pool to a fully functional kitchen area. Hardscaping here includes countertops, grills, and seating, turning your backyard into an entertainment zone. Fire Features : From fire pits to outdoor fireplaces , these elements not only extend your pool season into cooler months but also serve as a gathering spot for nighttime enjoyment. Water Management : Retaining Walls : Useful for managing water flow, preventing erosion, and creating multi-level landscapes that add depth and interest. Drainage Systems : Properly designed hardscapes can incorporate elegant solutions for water drainage, ensuring your pool area remains pristine and functional.

Understanding Pool Water Chemistry

By JASON CRAYCRAFT • October 14, 2024
As you dive into the joy of pool ownership, maintaining the right water chemistry is crucial for ensuring your swimming experience is both safe and enjoyable. At Omni Pools & Scapes, we believe that knowledge is power, especially when it comes to the health of your pool. Here's an in-depth look at pool water chemistry to help you keep your pool in pristine condition. The Basics of Pool Chemistry pH Levels : The pH scale measures how acidic or basic your pool water is, with a range of 7.2 to 7.8 being ideal for human comfort and effective sanitation. Too low, and you risk corrosion and skin irritation; too high, and you might face issues with scale formation and reduced chlorine efficiency. Chlorine : This is your primary sanitizer, killing off bacteria, algae, and other pathogens. The recommended free chlorine level is between 1.0 and 3.0 ppm (parts per million). Chlorine levels need regular testing, especially after heavy use or weather events like rain. Additional Chemical Balancers Alkalinity : Total alkalinity acts as a buffer for pH, helping to keep it stable. Aim for 80-120 ppm. If alkalinity is off, pH swings can become frequent, making maintenance a challenge. Calcium Hardness : This affects the clarity of the water and the longevity of your pool's surfaces. The ideal range is 200 to 400 ppm. Too low, and water could become corrosive; too high, and you'll see scale buildup. Cyanuric Acid (Stabilizer) : This protects chlorine from being broken down by UV rays. Levels should be between 30 and 50 ppm. Without enough stabilizer, your chlorine will dissipate too quickly, especially in sunny areas like Columbus. Why Balancing is Essential  Balanced water chemistry: Protects Your Investment : Prevents damage to pool walls, equipment, and surfaces. Ensures Swimmer Comfort : Reduces the risk of eye irritation, skin rash, and other discomforts. Keeps the Pool Clear : Balanced water results in a clearer, more inviting pool, free from cloudy water or algae blooms. Common Problems and Solutions Cloudy Water : Could be due to imbalanced pH, low sanitizer levels, or high calcium hardness. Test and adjust chemical levels accordingly. Green Water : Indicates algae growth, often resulting from low chlorine levels or inadequate circulation. Shock the pool with chlorine, clean filters, and possibly use an algaecide. Scale Formation : Occurs when calcium hardness and pH are too high. Use a scale inhibitor and adjust these levels. Testing and Maintenance Regular Testing : Use test strips or a liquid reagent test kit weekly, or after heavy use. Consider investing in a digital tester for more accurate readings over time. Chemical Adjustments : Adjust chemicals gradually; sudden changes can shock the system, leading to further imbalance. Circulation : Ensure your pool's filtration system runs enough to circulate all the water through the filter at least once per day. Professional Insight While DIY testing and maintenance are part of pool ownership, professional help can be invaluable: Seasonal Openings and Closings : Have Omni Pools & Scapes handle these critical times to ensure your pool starts and ends the season correctly. Regular Check-Ups : We can provide periodic professional analysis and maintenance, ensuring your pool chemistry remains balanced year-round. Conclusion Understanding and managing your pool's water chemistry is like being the conductor of an orchestra, where each element must harmonize for the perfect performance. It involves vigilance, knowledge, and sometimes professional assistance. At Omni Pools & Scapes, we're here to guide you through this process, ensuring your pool remains a clear, safe, and inviting oasis for all your summer activities. For more information or to schedule a professional pool service , visit us at www.omnipoolsandscapes.com . Keep the chemistry right, and your pool will be the gem of your backyard for years to come.
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