Top 5 Landscaping Tasks to Prepare Your Property for Fall
As summer fades and cooler weather rolls in, it’s time to start preparing your landscape for fall. Proper fall landscaping ensures your yard, garden beds, and outdoor spaces stay healthy and beautiful throughout the changing seasons — and sets the stage for a lush, thriving landscape come spring. Here are the top five landscaping tasks every property owner should prioritize this fall.
1. Aerate and Fertilize Your Lawn
Fall is the ideal time for lawn aeration and fertilization. Aeration loosens compacted soil, allowing air, water, and nutrients to reach the grassroots. Following up with a slow-release fertilizer helps your turf store essential nutrients before winter dormancy. This combination strengthens root growth and improves your lawn’s resilience against cold weather.
Pro Tip: Schedule your professional lawn care service early in the season to maximize results before the first frost.
2. Clean Up Leaves and Debris
A thick layer of fallen leaves can smother your lawn, trap moisture, and create a breeding ground for mold and pests. Regular leaf removal and yard cleanup not only improve your property’s curb appeal but also protect your grass from disease.
Consider mulching your leaves instead of bagging them — it returns organic matter to your soil, naturally enriching it for next season.
3. Prune Trees and Shrubs
Fall is an excellent time to trim overgrown trees and shape shrubs. Removing dead or damaged branches promotes healthy regrowth and prevents storm-related damage during winter. Proper tree pruning also enhances sunlight penetration, which supports healthier turf and plant life beneath your canopy.
Hire a professional landscaping company for large trees to ensure safety and proper pruning techniques.
4. Plant Fall Flowers and Seasonal Color
Add warmth and vibrancy to your landscape with fall annuals like pansies, mums, and ornamental kale. These cool-season plants thrive in lower temperatures and keep your garden beds colorful well into late fall. Don’t forget to plant spring-blooming bulbs such as tulips and daffodils before the ground freezes.
Fall planting enhances your property’s appearance and increases landscape value for the upcoming year.
5. Prepare Irrigation and Drainage Systems
Before temperatures drop, it’s crucial to winterize your irrigation system. Draining and blowing out your sprinkler lines prevents frozen pipes and costly repairs. Check your drainage systems to ensure they’re clear of debris so that water can flow freely away from your property during seasonal rain.
A well-maintained irrigation system ensures your landscaping investment stays protected year-round.
Final Thoughts
Taking time to prepare your property for fall pays off in every season. By investing in professional landscaping maintenance, lawn care, and seasonal cleanup, you’ll keep your outdoor spaces healthy, functional, and visually appealing long after the leaves have fallen.
At RCI, our expert team provides comprehensive landscape maintenance services tailored to your property’s needs. From aeration and fertilization to seasonal planting and irrigation care, we help homeowners and businesses maintain landscapes that stand out in every season.
Ready to get your landscape fall-ready?
Contact RCI today to schedule your fall landscaping services and keep your property beautiful year-round.
