Fall is Here.

This past week saw the first day of fall, and I believe most of us at TrueTimber were grateful to feel the decrease in temperature. Yes, we’re still having warm days, but more frequent are the moments of a cooler breeze – we even caught a chill a few mornings ago. Soon the trees will be changing color and everything will be flavored with pumpkin spice.

Just last week I was taking a look back at an article that my colleague Peter Girardi wrote titled, “How To Make Your Backyard Soil Come Alive.” In the article, he talked about the importance of healthy soil, and made reference to a film called, “Kiss The Ground” (trailer found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3-V1j-zMZw). It’s good and very eye-opening – if you haven’t seen it, you should.

There are so many easy, little things we can do with just the debris from existing plants and trees already in the yard. Use your leaves and pine tags, as well as sticks and other tree debris for mulch. Compost is easy – just throw everything in there, pumpkin spice and all. This is an easy way to begin re-establishing healthy soil around you. If you don’t have many plants, then plant more, especially native plants and trees. They will supply just about everything you need for a healthy yard on their own. Try using some yard space to allow for growth to take over, and let it. Take advantage of having to do very little to create a healthier space. The bees, butterflies and many underground organisms will appreciate your laziness!

If you use a lawn service to fertilize or treat your grass for pests, then become aware of what is actually going on to the soil as a result of that. “Nothing in nature exists alone” Rachael Carson said in her documentary titled “Silent Spring” (found in its entirely here: https://youtu.be/cbLACDNJyN4). It’s another eye opening film well worth a watch. And though regulations have put a halt on some of the treatments since the film was made, we’re still using a lot of chemicals that are detrimental to the ecosystem under your lawn and, in turn, your own health.

Anyway, I’m well aware of just how much people care about their… grass. But I’m optimistic! I think we’re starting to see less and less plastic trash bags full of leaves lining neighborhood roads, waiting to go to the landfill, and more happy, healthier yards that are rich with life.