September Landscape Tips for San Diego County
As summer begins to wane, so does the hot weather and longer days. Fall is in the air, and before the season arrives, we’ll experience a transition of extreme heat and strong Santa Ana winds, which keeps landscapers busy meeting the landscape’s water needs. Waking up early in the morning is your best bet to get your hands dirty and prepare your landscape for the perfect planting weather — it's just weeks away!
Fall is for Planting
Mild weather sets the perfect conditions for planting a vegetable garden. You can plant lettuce, spinach, carrots, and other vegetables. It’s also an ideal time to plant bulbs and native plants for next spring, too.
In our region, plant natives, like California lilacs and manzanita. Native plants like these thrive in our local climate and support wildlife, too. Love monarch butterflies? So do we. And if you love Monarchs as much as we do, plant milkweed.
Monarch Butterflies in San Diego County
September through November is also the time when Monarch butterflies arrive after their migration. We recommend planting milkweed. Monarchs rely on milkweed to survive — it’s the only plant monarch caterpillars eat to grow. Adult monarchs also feed on milkweed nectar as it provides the energy they need for migration. If you want to see lots of Monarchs, you can find them gathering in large numbers in eucalyptus trees (they look like clusters of dried leaves.)
Maintenance Needs
Continue watering established fruit trees and flowering shrubs. As the temperature starts to cool, monitor watering needs. Make any adjustments to your irrigation system. Now is a good time to improve and amend the soil in your landscape for upcoming fall and winter plantings. By amending and improving your soil, you can provide an excellent foundation for new growth.
If you have fig trees, you’ll want to prune them in September. Keep caring for your avocado trees. Harvest season for avocados in San Diego County will vary by variety, such as:
- Hass: April to October
- Reed: July to October
- Fuerte: November to June
- Bacon: November to March
Pruning
Creating a defensible space around your home or business is a must, especially for those in wildfire-prone areas. Low-hanging branches can catch fire in minutes, so it’s essential to “prune” up trees. Remove branches 6 feet or less from the ground. If you have branches overhanging the roof or eaves, remove them, and the same with any dead wood in the area. If you have wood stored for kindling, remove it far away from any structure. If possible, it’s also a good idea to water trees deeply — the extra moisture is beneficial in providing the trees with fire resistance.
Mulching
When the weather starts to cool, clear up any weeds in your landscape. If you’re an HOA manager or a commercial property manager, contact us for professional weed abatement service.
Benefits of mulching in September:
- Conserves water: It can still be hot and dry in September. Adding a layer of mulch reduces water evaporation in the soil.
- Insulates the soil: Protects roots from the lingering summer and future cold days.
- Suppresses weeds: Smother weeds before they establish themselves.
- Enriches the soil: As organic mulch decomposes, it provides a nutrient boost for plants in the spring.
- Prevents erosion: Seasonal rains will be here before you know it, and with it comes possible erosion. Mulch keeps topsoil in place, providing a protective barrier against heavy rainfall and runoff.
Care for roses
Fall blooms are on their way, so it’s time to clean up rose bushes. You’ll also want to water them well and fertilize.
September lawn care needs
Lower mowing height: Adjust mowing height to about 2 to 2.5-inches. By doing this you can help prevent leaf mold and disease.
Reduce watering: Water less (about 1 inch per week). Adjust for any dry conditions if necessary.
Areate: September is a great time to aerate. Aerating enhanced soil health by helping with water, oxygen, and nutrient absorption.
Control pests and diseases: Keep an eye out for pests (whit grubs, armyworms, sod webworms).
Overseed: Fill in thin areas and improve density by overseeding your lawn.
Experience Quality Service. The Difference...Is Growing
Time for a new landscape maintenance company? Experience quality service with Westturf Landscape Management. For HOAs, apartment communities, commercial space, and more — no one does it better!
Call us at 760-650-3120 or message us online for a free quote.
Let's work together
Do you have a landscaping project in mind? is it time for a new HOA landscaping company? Westturf Landscape Management is ready to help. We offer a wide range of services, from synthetic turf installation to weed and brush clearance and complete landscape transformations. When it comes to quality, efficient landscaping services, we have you covered.
We are looking forward to hearing from you.
Westturf Landscape Management
701 Mercantile Street
Vista, CA 92083
Phone: 760.650.3120