Fall landscaping possibilities

[Anonymous]

We didn't do anything with our yard this year other than keep the grass cut and remove some egregious weeds (moved in last fall).

Is it worth it to hire a company in the fall to replant grass and remove weeds, and is there anything hardy enough they could plant in the fall that would give the yard a jump-start to looking nice in the spring? We would need help with the design, too.

If so, any suggestions for honest, reliable companies that will work in MoCo and a ballpark of what to expect to pay for something like this? We're flying blind here.

[Anonymous]

Reseeding grass is easy. The hard part is watering it daily when you have kids.

It might be worth hiring someone to remove weeds and put down mulch if you have any garden areas currently, but you'll get more weeds growing all year round here (except for last winter).

You'll be better off figuring out if you want any new "hardscaping" (patios, walkways, decks, fences, walls) before you spend a lot on plants. Generally speaking, the larger the plant, the more of a commitment it is because it's more expensive and more of a PITA to move. So really think about where you want that tree or bush before you buy something because it's pretty.

Do you have an idea of plants you like or what kind of look you're going for? Look at websites like finegardening.com or check out books from the library. You don't want to spend big bucks on landscaping now and then realize that you really want a rose garden there or a fountain or your main priority is attracting wildlife or you don't have time or money to maintain a garden. Or that you really want a patio to replace your new garden area.

Until you know what you want, go for some cool weather annuals like pansies and ornamental kale in September, and maybe mums. Buy some daffodil or crocus bulbs and plant them in October for some nice spring flowers. These are all relatively inexpensive and really easy to DIY until you get a grand plan figured out.

Fall is actually a good time to plant trees, shrubs, and perennials here, but take time to figure out what you really want.

[Anonymous]

You can plant some bulbs in a few months. Fall isn't a bad time to plant some shrubs.

A simple "fall clean up" - with weed pulling, light mulching, edging, and shrub trimming cost me about $1000 two years ago. I have landscaped beds all around the front and sides of my house and on both sides of the driveway. It was worth the money to have a nice, neat landscaping until Spring.

Design and plantings will cost you more depending on how extensive the work is.