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Category: Fall

Keepin' It GreenBlogFall
31 Aug 2026
0 Comments By Lauren S Fall, Garden, Lawn, Spring, Summer

Jumping Worms: An Invasive Threat to Gardens

Most of us grew up hearing that finding earthworms in the garden is a good thing. But there is one worm New Hampshire homeowners should learn to recognize. Invasive jumping worms, sometimes called snake worms, are invasive earthworms originally from Asia. Unlike familiar earthworms that tunnel deeper into soil, jumping worms live close to the surface and rapidly consume leaf litter and other organic material. According to UNH Cooperative Extension’s guide to jumping worms, they can dramatically change the upper layer of soil. This potentially affects the plants and organisms that depend on it.

How to Identify

One of the easiest clues may actually be the soil rather than the worm. An area with jumping worms can develop loose, grainy soil that resembles coffee grounds. You might also notice garden mulch or leaf litter disappearing unusually quickly. Adult jumping worms are generally brown to gray with a smooth, light-colored band near the head that completely circles their body. They also behave differently from typical garden worms. When disturbed, they can thrash vigorously and move across the soil in an almost snake-like motion. UNH Extension provides additional identification tips in its jumping worm identification guide.

Why Does This Matter for Your Landscape?

Researchers are still determining exactly how jumping worms affect different soils and ecosystems, but studies show they can change soil chemistry. A 2024 peer-reviewed study, Testing the Impacts of Invasive Jumping Worms at Their Northern Range Limit, found significant effects on soil nitrogen at a residential property in New Brunswick. However, researchers did not find significant effects on total soil carbon or the abundance of European earthworms. Another peer-reviewed study of invasive Amynthas jumping worms and soil nutrients found changes in important nutrients including potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. Some effects, however, varied by worm species and location. This is an important reminder that the science is still developing. Also, the effects of jumping worms aren’t identical everywhere.

How to Prevent The Spread

For New Hampshire homeowners, prevention is particularly important. Jumping worms and their cocoons can potentially be moved from property to property through soil, plants, compost and mulch. Before bringing these materials into your landscape, take a moment to inspect them. Be especially careful when dividing and exchanging plants with friends or participating in plant sales. If you suspect jumping worms are already on your property, avoid moving potentially contaminated soil, compost or plants to another yard. You can also contact the UNH Extension Yard & Garden Infoline for help with identification and gardening questions.

Do Not Panic!

Finding jumping worms doesn’t mean you have to give up on your garden. It does mean this is one invasive species worth watching for while you’re weeding, mulching, planting or dividing perennials. Sometimes good landscaping isn’t only about what you add to your yard. It’s also about noticing what has arrived unexpectedly and taking simple steps to prevent it from reaching the next property.

29 Aug 2026
0 Comments By Lauren S Fall, Garden, Lawn, Spring, Summer, Winter

Drought Lawn Care: Keeping Grass Dormant and Alive

Dry stretches can leave New Hampshire homeowners wondering whether they should keep watering their lawns or simply let the grass turn brown. The good news is that a brown lawn is not necessarily a dead lawn. Many of the cool-season grasses commonly found in New Hampshire can enter dormancy during hot, dry conditions. This is a natural survival response that allows the grass to conserve resources until cooler temperatures and rainfall return. During a drought, your goal does not always need to be keeping every inch of the yard bright green.

If you decide to water, focus on watering deeply rather than frequently. Deep watering encourages roots to reach farther into the soil, while frequent shallow watering can encourage roots to remain near the surface. Early morning is generally the best time to run irrigation because temperatures are cooler and less water is lost to evaporation.

Before watering, check the soil rather than relying only on how the grass looks. Push a screwdriver several inches into the ground. If it slides in easily and the soil feels moist, your lawn may not need additional water yet. Also check for local watering restrictions before running an irrigation system during drought conditions.

Trees, shrubs, and newly installed plants deserve special attention when water is limited. An established lawn can often recover from dormancy, while drought damage to a young tree or newly planted shrub can be much harder to reverse. Give priority to newer plantings and water slowly around their root zones. Mulching around trees and shrubs can also reduce evaporation, but avoid piling mulch against trunks and stems. A two to three inch layer is generally enough to help the soil hold moisture.

Your irrigation system can also waste more water than you realize. Check for broken sprinkler heads, clogged nozzles, overspray onto driveways, and areas where water runs down the street instead of soaking into the ground. One simple trick is the “tuna can test.” Place several empty, straight-sided cans around the sprinkler zone and run it normally. Comparing the amount collected in each container can reveal areas receiving too much or too little water. During drought conditions, improving irrigation coverage can be more useful than simply increasing watering time.

Finally, resist the urge to “fix” a drought-stressed lawn with extra fertilizer, aggressive dethatching, or very short mowing. These practices can add stress when grass is already trying to conserve resources. Raise your mower height, reduce unnecessary foot traffic, and allow dormant areas some time to recover. As late summer transitions into cooler New Hampshire weather, you can reassess thin or damaged areas and decide whether aeration, overseeding, or other fall lawn care is actually necessary. A drought doesn’t always mean your lawn needs more work. Sometimes it needs smarter watering and a little patience.


21 Aug 2026
0 Comments By Lauren S Fall, Lawn, Pets, Summer

Lawn Aeration: When and How to Aerate Your Lawn

Many New Hampshire homeowners think watering and fertilizing are all a lawn needs to stay healthy, but healthy soil is just as important as healthy grass. Over time, foot traffic, mowing, pets, and even heavy rain can compact the soil beneath your lawn. When this happens, water, oxygen, and nutrients have a harder time reaching the roots. According to the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension, early fall is one of the best times to aerate cool-season lawns because the grass is actively growing and can recover quickly while preparing for winter.

How Often Should I Aerate My Lawn?

So how do you know if your lawn needs aeration? One simple test is to push a screwdriver into the ground after watering or rainfall. If it’s difficult to push more than a few inches into the soil, compaction is likely the problem. Other signs include puddles that linger after rain, thinning grass in high-traffic areas, or a lawn that dries out quickly even after watering. These symptoms often point to compacted soil rather than a lack of water. Core aeration removes small plugs of soil, allowing air, moisture, and nutrients to reach the root system more effectively.

Not every lawn needs to be aerated every year! If your lawn has little foot traffic, drains well, and remains thick and healthy, you may only need to aerate every few years. However, lawns with heavy use, clay soils, or recurring drainage issues often benefit from more frequent aeration. One thing to avoid is spike aerators or aerator shoes. While they seem convenient, they can actually increase soil compaction because they push the soil aside instead of removing it. Core aeration is the method recommended by lawn professionals and the University of New Hampshire Extension for long-term lawn health.

After Aeration:

One little-known tip is to leave the soil plugs on your lawn after aeration. While they may look messy for a week or two, they naturally break down and return valuable organic matter to the soil. Another helpful trick is to spread a thin layer of compost immediately after aerating. The compost settles into the aeration holes, improving soil structure and helping beneficial microorganisms thrive. If your lawn has thin or bare areas, this is also the perfect time to overseed. The holes created by aeration provide excellent seed-to-soil contact, giving new grass a much better chance of establishing before winter.

Pro Tip!

After a good rain, walk across your lawn. If water squishes under your feet or puddles remain the next day, don’t automatically assume you have a drainage problem. In many New Hampshire lawns, compacted soil is preventing water from soaking in. Aerating the lawn may solve the issue without the need for expensive drainage work!

Questions? We are here to help! Leave us a comment about your current landscaping project!

13 Aug 2026
0 Comments By Lauren S Fall, Garden, Lawn, Pets, Spring, Summer, Winter

The Backyard Wildlife Your Landscape Is Secretly Supporting

Your landscape is more than just grass, flowers, and shrubs. Every healthy yard in New Hampshire is home to an amazing variety of wildlife, much of it working behind the scenes to keep your landscape healthy. Native bees pollinate flowers, birds help control insects, butterflies add color to the garden, and even fireflies play a role by feeding on slugs and other small pests during their larval stage. If you’ve ever wondered why one yard seems full of birdsong while another feels quiet, the answer often comes down to the plants growing there. Nearly 75% of flowering plants rely on animal pollinators, and about one out of every three bites of food we eat depends on their work.

Meet Your Backyard Helpers

Many homeowners are surprised by the variety of wildlife their yard can support. Bumblebees, mason bees, monarch butterflies, hummingbirds, chickadees, goldfinches, tree frogs, dragonflies, and lightning bugs all benefit from thoughtfully designed landscapes. Birds are especially valuable because they consume thousands of insects while raising their young. Native plants support healthy insect populations, which in turn provide food for birds and other wildlife.

One simple way to attract more wildlife is to plant a variety of flowers that bloom from spring through fall. Early-blooming shrubs feed pollinators emerging after winter, while late-season flowers help insects prepare for colder weather. Native favorites that perform well in New Hampshire include coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, bee balm, asters, goldenrod, summersweet, and serviceberry. Adding a shallow birdbath, leaving a few seed heads standing through winter, and reducing pesticide use can dramatically increase the number of birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects visiting your yard.

Easy Ways to Attract More Wildlife

You don’t need acres of land to create a wildlife-friendly landscape. Even a modest yard can become an important habitat with a few thoughtful choices:

  • Plant native trees, shrubs, and perennials.
  • Include flowers that bloom in spring, summer, and fall.
  • Leave a small patch of ornamental grasses or leaf litter for overwintering insects.
  • Provide fresh water with a shallow birdbath or small water feature.
  • Avoid broad-spectrum pesticides whenever possible.
  • Add berry-producing shrubs to feed birds in fall and winter.

A Few Tips!

Fireflies are becoming less common in many areas due to habitat loss, excessive outdoor lighting, and pesticide use. Leaving small areas of taller grass, preserving leaf litter, and planting native flowers and grasses can help provide the shelter they need to thrive.

A landscape that welcomes wildlife is often healthier, more colorful, and easier to maintain. Native plants are naturally adapted to New Hampshire’s climate, so they typically require less watering, fewer chemical treatments, and less maintenance once established. By creating habitat for pollinators, birds, and other beneficial wildlife, you’re not only making your yard more enjoyable, you’re helping support the local ecosystem for years to come.

Plant for All Seasons

Choose plants that provide food throughout the year.

  • Spring: Serviceberry, redbud
  • Summer: Bee balm, coneflower, summersweet
  • Fall: Asters, goldenrod, sedum
  • Winter: Inkberry holly, winterberry, red twig dogwood

Create Layers

Wildlife prefers landscapes with different heights.

  • Groundcovers
  • Perennials
  • Shrubs
  • Small ornamental trees
  • Mature shade trees

This layered approach provides nesting sites, shelter, and food for many different species.

Pro Tip for New Hampshire Homeowners

If you only have room to add one new plant this year, choose a late-blooming native aster or goldenrod. These plants provide one of the last major nectar sources of the season, helping bees and butterflies build the energy reserves they need before winter, while also bringing vibrant color to your landscape when many other flowers have finished blooming.

Thanks for Reading! Leave a comment and tell us about what kind of wildlife you’d love to attract to your property!

30 Jul 2026
0 Comments By Lauren S Fall, Garden, Lawn, Spring, Summer, Winter

The Best Low-Maintenance Shrubs for New Hampshire Landscapes

A beautiful landscape doesn’t have to require hours of maintenance every weekend. One of the easiest ways to create a yard that’s both attractive and easy to care for is by choosing shrubs that naturally thrive in New Hampshire’s climate. Hardy shrubs require less watering, less pruning, and fewer replacements, while still providing color, texture, and curb appeal throughout the year.

Top Low-Maintenance Shrubs for New Hampshire

Panicle Hydrangea

Panicle hydrangeas are one of the most dependable flowering shrubs for New Hampshire homeowners. Unlike some hydrangea varieties, they bloom on new wood, meaning they’ll still produce beautiful flowers even after a harsh winter. Their large white blooms begin in midsummer and often last well into the fall.

Best for:
• Foundation plantings
• Accent gardens
• Sunny landscapes

Inkberry Holly

If you like the look of boxwoods but want something more durable, Inkberry holly is an excellent alternative. This native evergreen keeps its dark green foliage year-round and is naturally resistant to many of the pests and diseases that commonly affect boxwoods.

Best for:
• Foundation beds
• Low hedges
• Year-round greenery

Summersweet

Summersweet is a native shrub that performs especially well in moist soils and partial shade. During mid to late summer, it produces fragrant white flowers that attract butterflies, bees, and other important pollinators.

Best for:
• Rain gardens
• Shady landscapes
• Areas with consistently moist soil

Ninebark

Ninebark provides interest during every season. Its colorful foliage ranges from green to deep burgundy, while its peeling bark adds texture throughout the winter after the leaves have dropped. Once established, it’s extremely hardy and requires very little maintenance.

Best for:
• Accent plantings
• Privacy borders
• Four-season interest

Arborvitae

Arborvitae remains one of the most popular shrubs in New Hampshire for creating privacy screens. It grows relatively quickly, tolerates heavy snow well, and provides year-round color. When planted with enough spacing, arborvitae can last for decades with minimal maintenance.

Best for:
• Privacy screens
• Property borders
• Windbreaks

A Little-Known Tip

Many homeowners stop watering shrubs once the weather cools in the fall. In reality, evergreen shrubs continue losing moisture throughout the winter, even when they’re dormant. Giving arborvitae, inkberry holly, and other evergreens a deep watering before the ground freezes can significantly reduce winter browning and improve their health the following spring.

Give Your Shrubs Room to Grow

One of the most common landscaping mistakes is planting shrubs based on their current size instead of their mature size. While they may look small at the garden center, many shrubs will double or even triple in width over time. Before planting, always check the mature height and width listed on the plant tag rather than guessing how large the shrub will become.

Proper spacing offers several benefits:

• Better air circulation
• Fewer disease problems
• Less frequent pruning
• Healthier root development
• A more natural appearance

Helpful Homeowner Tip: Mulch around shrubs with two to three inches of bark mulch, but leave a small gap around the base of each plant. Piling mulch directly against the trunk or stems traps moisture, encourages rot, and can attract insects. This simple adjustment helps shrubs stay healthier for years.

Why Choosing the Right Shrubs Matters

Choosing shrubs that are naturally adapted to New Hampshire’s climate is one of the best investments you can make in your landscape! You’ll spend less time watering, pruning, and replacing struggling plants while enjoying healthier gardens and consistent curb appeal throughout every season. By selecting the right plant for the right location, your landscape will look better, require less work, and continue adding beauty to your home for years to come!

Home gardening is a $79 billion industry. Despite fewer households gardening in recent years, Americans spent a record $79 billion on lawn and garden products in 2025, showing that homeowners continue investing in landscapes that are attractive and easier to maintain.

Leave us a comment about your next landscaping project and let us know how we can help!

22 Jul 2026
0 Comments By Lauren S Fall, Lawn, Summer

Late Summer Landscaping: Preparing for Autumn

As summer begins to wind down, now is the perfect time to prepare your landscape for the next season. Late August and early September are some of the best months of the year for lawn recovery and landscape improvements in New Hampshire. Taking care of a few key tasks now can help repair damage from summer heat while setting your lawn and gardens up for a healthier fall and an even stronger spring next year.

End of Summer Lawn Care

One of the first things to check is your lawn. If the summer heat has left behind thin areas or brown patches, don’t rush to reseed just yet! Wait until daytime temperatures begin to cool, then overseed those problem spots while the soil is still warm.

Research from UMass Extension shows that the optimal renovation window for cool-season lawns in the Northeast typically runs from the third week of August through the third week of September.

This combination of warm soil and cooler air creates excellent conditions for grass seed to germinate. Before seeding, loosen the top inch of soil with a rake. This simple step greatly improves seed-to-soil contact and often leads to better results than simply scattering seed over existing grass!

Adjust Sprinklers, Refresh Mulch, Remove Weeds

Late summer is also an excellent time to inspect your irrigation system before fall arrives. Look for sprinkler heads that have shifted, clogged nozzles, or areas that consistently stay too wet or too dry. For a more information about irrigation checks, click here to visit another post where we talk all about it! Making adjustments now allows your lawn to recover while temperatures are still warm.

At the same time, refresh any mulch that has thinned over the summer and remove weeds before they have a chance to drop seeds for next year. A fresh layer of mulch can also help keep soil temperatures more consistent during the transition into cooler weather.

Deeply Water Trees and Shrubs

Don’t forget about your trees and shrubs. While lawns often receive most of the attention, woody plants continue developing roots well into the fall. Deep watering during dry periods can help them enter winter in better condition. It’s also a good time to remove dead branches, inspect for storm damage, and keep fallen leaves from piling up around the base of plants. One little-known tip is to avoid heavy pruning in late summer. Pruning encourages tender new growth that may not have enough time to harden off before the first frost, making it more vulnerable to winter damage.

Preparing your landscape now can save time and money later. Small maintenance tasks completed before fall often prevent larger problems in the spring. Whether it’s repairing irrigation, refreshing mulch, planning for aeration, or getting ready to overseed, a little attention now helps your entire landscape transition smoothly into the next season.

Late Summer Pro Tips

• Walk your yard after a heavy rain. Areas that stay soggy for more than 24 hours are good candidates for drainage improvements before winter and next spring’s snowmelt.

• Mark sprinkler heads with small landscape flags before leaves begin falling. They are much easier to find when it’s time to winterize your irrigation system.

• If your lawn struggled this summer, consider having a soil test done before applying fall fertilizer. Many lawn problems are caused by nutrient imbalances or soil pH rather than a lack of fertilizer.

• Take photos of your garden beds while everything is still growing. It’s much easier to remember where perennials are located when planning spring planting or dividing plants next year.

• Start removing weeds now, even if they seem harmless. Many common New Hampshire weeds produce thousands of seeds in late summer that can become next year’s biggest lawn and garden problem.

As always, please comment or reach out to us with any questions you may have. We would love to hear from you!

29 Jun 2026
0 Comments By Lauren S Fall, Lawn, Spring, Summer, Winter

What is a French Drain, and How Does it Work?

Do parts of your yard stay soggy after a rainstorm? A French drain may be one of the most effective solutions available. Despite the name, a French drain is not a traditional drain at all. It is a simple, underground drainage system designed to collect and redirect excess water away from problem areas in your landscape. French drains are commonly used due to their effectivenesss in addressing common drainage issues, such as: standing water, wet lawns, foundation drainage issues, and areas with poor natural drainage.

A typical French drain consists of a gravel-filled trench containing a perforated pipe. As water collects in the surrounding soil, it filters through the gravel and enters the pipe through small holes. The pipe then carries the water away from the saturated area and releases it at a designated drainage location where it can safely disperse.

French drains work because water naturally follows the path of least resistance. The gravel and pipe create an easier route for water to travel than the compacted soil around it. This helps with a number of drainage issues, including: preventing puddles, reducing soil erosion, and keeping water from accumulating near foundations, patios, walkways, and other areas where excess moisture can cause problems.

Will a French Drain ruin my Lawn? Installation involves digging a trench, so there will be some temporary disturbance. Once installed, the lawn can be restored, and the drain will become nearly invisible.

Should I consider a French Drain?

Homeowners often install French drains in low spots that remain wet for days after rain, near downspouts that create drainage issues, or alongside foundations where water tends to collect. When properly designed and installed, a French drain can provide a long-term solution that requires very little maintenance while improving the overall health and usability of your landscape.

Another great benefit of French drains is that they often help protect more than just your lawn. By moving water away from structures and planting beds, they can reduce stress on plant roots, minimize erosion, and help prevent moisture-related damage around your home! For many New Hampshire homeowners dealing with drainage problems, a French drain is one of the most effective investments they can make in their landscape.

Do French Drains work during New Hampshire winters? Yes. When designed with proper drainage, installed appropriately below the frost line, your french drain will continue to move water and help reduce standing water during snow melt.

Can I Install a French Drain myself? Small drainage projects are often suitable for experienced DIY homeowners. For larger systems or drainage issues near foundations, it is usually best to contact a professional.

French Drain vs. Catch Basin

What is the difference between a French Drain and a Catch Basin? A French drain collects water that has soaked into the soil, while a catch basin collects water directly from the surface through a grate.

If you’d like more information about French Drains, other drainage solutions, and how to choose or install your own, please comment with any questions!

19 Jun 2026
0 Comments By Lauren S Fall, Lawn, Spring, Summer, Winter

A Homeowners Guide to Garden Bed Edging

Choosing Your Edging Type: Let’s Compare

Provided that there are so many options available, choosing the right Garden Bed Edging material depends on your budget, style, and maintenance preferences. The purpose of edging is to create a clear separation between lawns, garden beds, and walkways, while also helping to keep mulch, stone, and soil where they belong. Regardless, Garden Bed Edging is one of the simplest ways to make a landscape look clean, organized, and professionally maintained.

Plastic and Metal Edging

Plastic and Metal edging are very popular for their ability to create a clean, nearly invisible border.

Metal Edging tends to last longer and provide a more upscale appearance. Consequently, it usually costs more and requires careful installation.

Plastic Edging is more affordable, however it has the potential to crack or shift overtime. Meanwhile, it remains very popular with NH Homeowners and works beautifully for curved garden beds.

Pro Tip: Many New Hampshire landscapers use Metal Edging around permanent foundation beds and plastic edging around seasonal flower beds where changes are more common. This provides the best balance of durability and cost.

Natural Stone and Peastone Borders

Stone Edging offers a timeless New England look that blends naturally into most landscapes. Fieldstone, Granite, and Decorative Stone borders are especially popular in New Hampshire gardens. Stone is extremely durable and adds curb appeal, but it is often more expensive and labor-intensive to install. Peastone can also be used to create attractive transition areas around beds and walkways, although it requires occasional maintenance to keep the stones contained.

New Hampshire Pro Tip:

Many high-end NH landscapes use all three of these materials together:

  • Granite cobblestone as the edging.
  • Dark bark mulch in planting beds.
  • Peastone near foundations, downspouts, and drainage areas.

This combination provides excellent curb appeal while standing up to New Hampshire’s harsh winters and heavy spring rains.

Choosing Your Materials

MaterialWhy NH Homeowners Like It
Granite CobblestoneExtremely durable, classic New England appearance, handles freeze-thaw cycles well.
Natural FieldstoneBlends naturally into wooded and rural landscapes common throughout New Hampshire.
Concrete PaversClean appearance, many color choices, works with traditional and modern homes.
PeastoneExcellent drainage, low maintenance, attractive around foundations and walkways.
River RockDecorative, long-lasting, popular in water-management and drainage areas.
Stacked Wall StoneCreates elevation changes and premium-looking garden beds.

Brick and Concrete Pavers

Brick and concrete pavers provide a formal, polished appearance and can complement many home styles. They are durable, easy to maintain, and available in a wide variety of colors and patterns. The main drawback is the upfront cost and installation effort.

Another Key Point: If not installed properly, frost heaving during New Hampshire winters can sometimes cause individual pavers to shift over time.

Natural Trenched Edging

Many professional landscapers use this technique because it looks natural and allows for easy mowing. As a result, it will require occasional touch-ups throughout the growing season, in order to maintain its appearance. Even so, Natural Trenched Edging is one of the most affordable options, equally, this method creates a crisp appearance without adding any materials.

Pro Tip: When refreshing a trenched edge, use a flat spade after a light rain. The soil cuts more cleanly, making the job faster and creating a crisper-looking border.

No matter which edging material you choose, the goal is the same: Whether you prefer the simplicity of a Natural Edge, the durability of Stone or Pavers, or the popular Plastic or Metal Edging, well-defined garden beds can make a noticeable difference in the overall appearance of your landscape. All in all, any of these options will create a clean separation that improves curb appeal, above all, and reduces maintenance.

Choosing Guide!

FeaturePlastic EdgingMetal Edging
CostLower costHigher cost
DurabilityModerateExcellent
DIY FriendlyVery easyModerate
AppearanceSimple, nearly invisibleClean, professional look
Best ForBudget-friendly garden bedsPermanent landscape beds
Curved BedsExcellentExcellent
Winter Performance in NHCan crack or shift over timeHandles freeze-thaw cycles well
MaintenanceMay need occasional adjustmentVery little maintenance
Lifespan5 to 15 years typically15+ years commonly
Weed & Mulch ControlGoodExcellent
Installation EffortLowModerate to High
Potential DrawbacksCracking, warping, shiftingHigher cost, more labor to install

Leave a Comment, a Question, or a Photo of your own Garden Bed Edgings! We would LOVE to know more about your projects, see your results, and answer any questions you may have!

11 Jun 2026
0 Comments By Lauren S Fall, Lawn, Spring, Summer

A Seasonal Guide to Garden Bed Dressings

For New Hampshire landscapes, the best type of garden bed dressing depends on the season, the look you’re after, and how much maintenance you’re willing to do. Let’s break it down!

For NH specifically, these are the mulch types you’ll most commonly see:

Mulch TypeBest Use
Hemlock MulchFoundation beds, shrubs, general landscaping
Pine Bark MulchAcid-loving plants, rhododendrons, azaleas, blueberries
Hardwood MulchGeneral garden beds and trees
Cedar MulchLong-lasting decorative beds
Black Dyed MulchHigh-contrast curb appeal
Brown Dyed MulchNatural appearance around homes
Pine StrawSlopes, erosion control, naturalized areas
PeastoneDecorative beds, drainage areas
River RockPermanent decorative beds
A second excellent resource for types of garden bed dressings is:
The Spruce Guide to Mulch Types
It compares organic mulches such as bark, pine bark, straw, and leaves against inorganic options such as gravel and stone, making it easy for homeowners to understand the pros and cons of each.

Now Let’s Talk Seasonal

Refreshing your garden bed dressings throughout the year helps keep plants healthier and landscapes looking their best. New Hampshire’s changing seasons can gradually break down mulch, compact soil, and reduce the effectiveness of your garden beds. A seasonal refresh helps maintain moisture, improve plant health, and keep your landscape looking clean, attractive, and well cared for year-round.

Spring: Mulch Is Usually Best

Why:

  • Helps retain moisture as temperatures rise.
  • Suppresses weeds before they emerge.
  • Protects plant roots from temperature swings.
  • Gives beds a clean, fresh appearance.

Popular choices:

  • Dark bark mulch
  • Hemlock mulch
  • Pine bark mulch

Tip:
Apply 2 to 3 inches. More is not better.

Summer: Mulch Continues To Shine

Why: Reduces watering needs during dry spells.

Keeps roots cooler.

Helps prevent soil from drying out.

Best for: Flower beds, Shrub beds, and Foundation plantings.

Fall: Mulch or Compost

Why: Insulates roots before winter

Improves soil health

Protects newly planted trees and shrubs

Pro Tip:
Think of fall compost as a savings account for your garden. You’re investing in healthier soil now so your plants can benefit next season. Many gardeners call fall compost “nature’s slow-release fertilizer” because it continues improving soil all winter long, giving plants a head start when spring arrives.

Peastone Dressings: Everything You Need to Know

Some Pro Tips and Facts about Peastone:

Fun Fact: Peastone was originally popularized for practical drainage applications, but many homeowners now choose it primarily for its clean, polished appearance and long-term durability.

Little Known Fact: Unlike organic mulches, peastone does not break down or fade significantly, which means it can last for many years with minimal maintenance.

Little Known Fact: Peastone absorbs and releases heat more than mulch, making it a better choice for drainage and appearance than for moisture-loving plants.

Pro Tip: Installing landscape fabric beneath peastone can reduce weed growth and help prevent the stones from sinking into the soil over time.

Did You Know? Peastone can help improve drainage around foundations by allowing water to move through the stone instead of pooling on the surface.

Did You Know? Many professional landscapers use peastone around utility boxes, air conditioning units, and foundation walls because it stays in place and provides easy access for maintenance.

Pro Tip: One of the most attractive low-maintenance landscape designs combines dark bark mulch in planting beds with peastone around foundations and drainage areas. This creates visual contrast while giving each area the material best suited for its purpose.

Pro Tip: Peastone works especially well near downspouts and sump pump discharge areas where traditional mulch may wash away during heavy New Hampshire rainstorms.

Happy Gardening!

14 May 2026
0 Comments By Lauren S Fall, Lawn, Spring, Summer

Common Landscaping Mistakes to Avoid

Many homeowners want a beautiful yard, but landscaping can become overwhelming without the right knowledge. In fact, a recent survey found that 25% of Americans lack confidence in their ability to properly maintain their lawns and landscaping. Here are a few “Do’s and Dont’s” to help you develop the Lawn and Garden of your DREAMS!

Landscaping can completely change the look of a home, but a few common mistakes can make yards harder to maintain and more expensive over time. One of the biggest issues we see is overwatering. Many homeowners assume more water means a healthier lawn, but too much water can weaken roots and create disease problems. Most lawns do better with deeper watering a few times a week instead of daily watering.

Plant placement is another mistake that causes problems later on. Trees and shrubs are often planted based on how they look the day they go in the ground, not how large they will become in a few years. Overgrown plants can crowd walkways, block windows, and take over planting beds. Choosing the right plants for the space helps keep the landscape looking clean and balanced with less maintenance.

Mulching also gets overdone more often than people realize. Thick piles of mulch around trees and shrubs can trap moisture and damage the base of the plant. A light, even layer works much better. Good mulching helps retain moisture, reduce weeds, and give planting beds a fresh appearance without causing long term issues.

Routine maintenance is another very important factor in maintaining a healthy landscape!

Those small issues like weeds, clogged sprinkler heads, patchy grass, or overgrown shrubs are easier to handle early. When left alone, those small problems usually turn into larger repairs later in the season. Regular upkeep keeps the entire property healthier and improves curb appeal throughout the year.

A well maintained landscape really does not need to be complicated. The right watering habits, proper plant spacing, and consistent care go a long way in keeping outdoor spaces healthy, attractive, and much easier to manage over time. Now you’re a pro!

Remember, lawns do better with deeper watering! We hope this helps!