Fall Landscaping checklist

Composter hard at work

Fall, a great time of year to put on your wool layers, grab a mug of something warm and make your outdoor spaces ready for winter BUT also prepped for the next spring! But don’t let overwhelm, er, overwhelm you! Evaluate what worked, what did not, what projects you want to do in 2026 and when to call in the pros.

Lawn Care

Fall is perfect for repairing your lawn, setting up a new lawn, or even planting a lawn alternative or meadow. Existing lawns need aerating to improve structure, especially if compacted. A nice organic fertilizer will feed the grass roots over the winter. A final mow at the right height prevents disease; aim for 1 ¼” to 2”.

Lawn renovations or replacements are an involved process but will pay off in spring! Installing now gives the seed a healthy chance to germinate with fall moisture. There are many options, so research what works in your particular microclimatic conditions. Definitely worth consulting with a landscape professional.

Maintenance

Remove annuals and plant material in beds that will encourage mold and rot to discourage disease. Dig out weeds where necessary. Consider keeping plant seed heads such as sedums and hollow reeds that still offer visual interest in winter but also offer vital insect habitat. A little natural messiness can be a huge benefit to ground birds and insects through the cold months. Clean out gutters and drains as needed. Blow out irrigation to avoid freezing. Clean/sharpen up those tools before you put them away - future you will be grateful.

Leaves

One of the garden’s free gifts! Can be used as a mulch if preferred, raked up and composted, or collected into a cage for leaf mould; an excellent seed medium! Don’t let this resource go to waste. Planting Bulbs, trees and shrubs will thank you for being planted while the soil is relatively warm and consistently moist. Cover crops may be a strategy for empty garden beds. Overwinter veg crops need to be in before frost.

Mulch

As ever, applying mulch has so many benefits - adding nutrients, protecting soils from leaching, suppressing weeds and protecting roots from frost. Don’t skimp on the depth. You’ll love the look too! Contact us for a free consult on landscape maintenance, design or installs.

Happy gardening!