
Avoid These Mistakes in Your Fall Landscaping Plan
As fall rolls in, many homeowners and professional landscaping individuals start preparing lawns and gardens for the cooler months ahead. However, common mistakes in fall landscaping can have long-lasting negative effects, making it crucial to avoid these pitfalls. This article outlines several key errors to sidestep in order to maintain a healthy, vibrant outdoor space. FSI Landscape Supply, a leader in landscaping and gardening supplies, offers expert commentary on each of these common fall landscaping mistakes. (Source: Bob Villa, 12 Fall Landscaping Mistakes to Know and Avoid, by Heather Blackmore, October 8, 2020, https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/12-fall-landscaping-mistakes-to-know-and-avoid-53089/ ).
Letting Leaves Pile Up
While fallen leaves might seem harmless, allowing them to accumulate can suffocate the grass underneath and create an inviting environment for pests and diseases. Clearing leaves regularly is essential for maintaining a healthy lawn through the winter.
FSI Landscape Supply comments, “One of the most common oversights we notice is neglecting to remove fallen leaves in a timely manner. A buildup of leaves not only affects your grass’s ability to ‘breathe,’ but it also creates a layer of moisture that can foster fungal growth. Investing in quality mulch and proper garden maintenance tools will help keep the lawn healthy throughout the fall season.”
Forgetting About Spring
Fall is the ideal time to set your lawn up for success in the spring. Neglecting essential tasks like fertilizing or planting bulbs can result in a lackluster landscape when warmer weather returns.
FSI Landscape Supply shares, “Fall is not just about cleaning up; it’s about planning ahead. At FSI, we encourage our customers to consider how their actions now will affect their landscape’s future growth. Utilizing high-quality gardening supplies such as nutrient-rich fertilizers during fall will ensure your lawn and garden bounce back stronger in the spring.”
Pruning Yews, Boxwood, and Spring-Flowering Shrubs
Pruning certain shrubs in the fall can result in removing next season’s flower buds, leading to reduced blooms in spring. It’s important to prune at the correct time to avoid compromising the health and appearance of these plants.
FSI Landscape Supply highlights, “Timing is everything when it comes to pruning. Cutting back shrubs like yews and boxwoods too early or late can disrupt their natural growth cycle. We advise using specialized tools for precise pruning to avoid unnecessary damage to your plants. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or new to landscaping, the right tools will get the job done right every time.”
Storing Tools Without Proper Cleanup
Storing gardening tools without thoroughly cleaning them can lead to rust, dull blades, and a shorter lifespan for your equipment.
FSI Landscape Supply comments, “Proper tool maintenance is an often-overlooked aspect of lawn care. Before storing your equipment, make sure to clean, dry, and sharpen your tools to ensure they’re ready for use next season.”
Cutting Down the Entire Garden
While it might seem like a good idea to clear the entire garden in the fall, leaving some plants standing can provide shelter for beneficial insects and wildlife, as well as protect the soil from erosion.
FSI Landscape Supply shares, “We recommend leaving certain perennials and ornamental grasses standing throughout winter. This provides visual interest during the colder months, supports local wildlife, and helps protect soil health. Mulch can also be used to insulate the soil, keeping it protected during harsh weather.”
Not Aerating the Lawn
Aerating is essential in the fall as it ensures water, nutrients, and air reach deep into the soil. This promotes healthier root growth and overall lawn resilience.
FSI Landscape Supply highlights, “Aeration is a critical part of fall lawn care that many homeowners overlook. Compacted soil can hinder root growth, making it difficult for any lawn to thrive.”
Not Protecting Young Trees
Young trees are especially vulnerable to damage from winter weather, pests, and diseases. Without proper protection, they may not survive the harsh conditions.
FSI Landscape Supply comments, “Protecting young trees from winter weather is essential to ensure they establish strong roots. Tree wraps and other protective landscaping supplies are essential to help safeguard trees against frost, wind, and pests during the colder months.”
Dividing/Transplanting Ornamental Grasses
Fall is a great time to divide and transplant ornamental grasses, but doing it too early or too late can damage the plants.
FSI Landscape Supply shares, “Dividing ornamental grasses in early fall gives them enough time to establish roots before winter. Timing is important to avoid stress on the plants, as dividing too late in the season can hinder their ability to recover and thrive. Proper spacing and soil preparation also contribute to the long-term health of the grasses.”
Pitching the Leaves
Many people opt to bag up fallen leaves and send them to the landfill, but these leaves can be put to better use in your garden.
FSI Landscape Supply mentions, “Instead of throwing away leaves, consider turning them into mulch or compost. Not only is this an eco-friendly approach, but it also helps nourish your soil for the upcoming growing season.”
Forgetting to Feed the Lawn
Failing to apply fall fertilizer can lead to a weak, unhealthy lawn come spring.
FSI Landscape Supply comments, “Applying fertilizer in the fall is crucial for strengthening the lawn’s roots and preparing it for winter dormancy. The right nutrients help the grass store energy, which supports healthy growth and resilience when spring arrives. This ensures a thicker, greener lawn once the growing season resumes.”
Storing the Lawn Mower As Is
Storing your lawn mower without cleaning and maintenance can lead to damage, reducing its efficiency and lifespan.
FSI Landscape Supply shares, “Properly storing lawnmowers and other landscaping tools is just as important as caring for landscapes, gardens, and lawns. At FSI, we recommend cleaning your mower blades, changing the oil, and sharpening the blades before storage. Doing so ensures that your equipment will be ready to perform when you need it again.”
Not Continuing to Pull Weeds
Many people stop weeding in the fall, but weeds can continue to grow and spread during the cooler months if left unchecked.
FSI Landscape Supply comments, “Fall is not the time to let your guard down when it comes to weeds. They can still take root and spread if left untreated. Weed control products are effective even during the cooler months, helping to keep any lawn looking its best year-round. However, we recommend a combined approach to prevent weeds, including landscape fabric, mulch, pre-emergent herbicides, regularly pulling weeds, and maintaining a healthy lawn to crowd out invasive growth. ”
Avoiding these common fall landscaping mistakes can save landscaping professionals and homeowners time and effort come spring. FSI Landscape Supply is committed to providing the highest quality landscaping and gardening supplies to help you maintain your landscaping projects all year round.