As we bid farewell to September and welcome the month of October, many Wisconinites are enjoying an unseasonably warm start to the fall season. So, what can we expect from this warm beginning, and how should we prepare for the inevitable cascade of falling leaves?
A Toasty Welcome to October
Wisconsin is renowned for its stunning autumn foliage and brisk fall temperatures. However, this year, Mother Nature seems to have a different plan to start the month. With above-average temperatures gracing our state, it’s the perfect time to relish the last few days of mild weather.
Preparing for the Fall of Leaves
Despite the warm start, we can’t escape the inevitable: the fall of leaves. As temperatures gradually cool down throughout October, trees will begin to shed their vibrant leaves, painting the landscape with hues of red, oranges, and yellows. To make the most of this time of year and ensure your property stays tidy, here are a few tips:
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Raking and Mulching: Keep your lawn neat and healthy by regularly raking fallen leaves. You can also mulch the leaves with your lawn mower to break down the leaves into smaller pieces, which gives natural nutrients to your lawn.
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Composting: Consider starting a compost pile with your leaves. This eco-friendly practice turns organic matter into nutrient rich compost that can be used to enrich your garden soil next spring.
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Leaf Cleanup Tools: Invest in the right tools for efficient leaf cleanup, such as leaf blowers and mulching machines to make the task more manageable.
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Fall Planting: Take advantage of the cooler temperatures to plant bulbs, shrubs and trees in your garden for a beautiful show in the spring.
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Enjoy the scenery: Remember to take time to appreciate the natural beauty of your surroundings in the beautiful state of Wisconsin. It’s a magical time of year here.
While this year’s warm October start might be unusual, it offers us a chance to savor the autumn transition and to pretend it’s still September for a few more days. So, get outside, soak up the sunshine, and be prepared for the leaves to fall. Embrace the changing seasons and unpredictable weather, for it’s all part of what makes Wisconsin such a special place to call home.
