Avoid These 5 Mistakes for a Healthier Fall Landscape
5 Common Landscape Mistakes to Avoid in Fall
As the leaves begin to change and temperatures cool, many homeowners shift their focus away from lawn and garden care. But fall is one of the most important times to tend to your landscape. Ignoring your yard now can lead to a host of problems next spring, from patchy grass to unhealthy plants. At Plant Persuasion, we want to help you avoid some of the most common fall landscaping mistakes so your yard can thrive year-round. Here are five critical errors to avoid—and the steps you can take to protect your outdoor space.
1. Ignoring Leaf Cleanup
It’s tempting to leave fallen leaves on the ground as they pile up throughout the season. While those colorful leaves create a cozy autumn vibe, they can be detrimental to your lawn’s health. Leaves that accumulate over time block sunlight, trap moisture, and can suffocate your grass. If left unattended, they may lead to mold, pests, or dead patches in the lawn.
What to Do Instead: Rake your leaves regularly or use a mulching mower to chop them up and allow the organic matter to decompose naturally, returning nutrients to the soil.
2. Skipping Fall Fertilization
Many people focus on fertilizing in the spring and summer, but fall fertilization is crucial for maintaining a healthy lawn. Fertilizing in the fall helps grass roots store essential nutrients to survive the winter months and bounce back quickly when spring arrives. Without fall fertilization, your lawn may struggle to recover from the stress of winter.
The Solution: Fertilize your lawn twice during fall—once in early fall (September) and again in late fall (November). This provides your lawn with the nutrients it needs for strong root development and winter hardiness. Need help? Schedule your fall fertilization with Plant Persuasion, and we’ll ensure your lawn gets the nourishment it needs.
3. Pruning at the Wrong Time
Pruning plants is an essential part of landscape maintenance, but doing it at the wrong time can cause serious damage. Pruning too early in the fall can leave plants vulnerable to frost, while pruning too late can stunt growth in the spring. Different plants have different needs, and it’s important to know the optimal pruning schedule for each type in your landscape.
How to Prune Properly: Light pruning of shrubs and trees is generally fine in the fall, but heavy pruning should be reserved for late winter or early spring when plants are dormant. Consult with the experts at Plant Persuasion to determine the best time to prune your plants and ensure they stay healthy.
4. Forgetting to Water
As temperatures drop, many homeowners stop watering their lawns and gardens, assuming that the cooler weather will keep things moist enough. However, your lawn and plants still need water to prepare for winter dormancy. Failing to water during the fall can leave your landscape dry and stressed, weakening plants as they head into winter.
Water Wisely: Adjust your watering schedule to ensure your lawn and garden receive adequate moisture before the ground freezes. Water deeply but less frequently to promote strong root growth. Be sure to turn off your irrigation system before freezing temperatures arrive, but give your lawn a final deep watering before winter sets in.
5. Not Aerating Your Lawn
Compacted soil can prevent grass roots from accessing the water, air, and nutrients they need to thrive. Fall is the perfect time to aerate your lawn, allowing oxygen and moisture to penetrate deep into the soil. Skipping aeration can result in poor growth next spring, leaving your lawn looking thin and weak.
The Fix: Aerate your lawn in the early fall, especially if it sees a lot of foot traffic or has heavy clay soil. Aeration allows water and nutrients to reach the roots, promoting thicker, healthier grass. At Plant Persuasion, we can provide expert aeration services to give your lawn a fresh start before winter.
Get Your Landscape Ready for Winter with Plant Persuasion
Avoiding these common fall landscaping mistakes can make a significant difference in the health and beauty of your yard. Whether it’s keeping up with leaf cleanup, scheduling fertilization, or knowing when to prune, taking the right steps now will set your landscape up for success next year.
At Plant Persuasion, we offer comprehensive fall maintenance services, including fertilization, aeration, pruning, and more. Contact us today at 818-381-3917 to schedule your fall landscape care and ensure your yard stays beautiful through every season.
