As the seasons change, so do the needs of your landscape. Fall is more than just a time for pumpkin spice and cozy sweaters—it's the perfect season to prepare your outdoor space for the cooler months ahead. By taking a few essential steps now, you can ensure that your lawn, garden beds, and hardscape features come back strong and vibrant in the spring. Whether you're a seasoned green thumb or simply looking to maintain a beautiful yard, this comprehensive guide offers 10 essential fall landscaping tips. We’ll cover everything from fall lawn care to when to plant trees—and even how to reimagine your outdoor design. Ready to get your landscape fall-ready? Let’s dig in.
Healthy lawns begin in the fall. After a long, hot summer, your grass may be showing signs of stress–think patchy spots, thinning blades, or compacted soil. Fortunately, the cooler temperatures and increased moisture of autumn create the perfect conditions for your lawn to recover. Start by loosening up the soil with aeration. This simple step helps water, air, and nutrients reach the roots more effectively, giving your grass the boost it needs to grow stronger. Once aerated, it’s the ideal time to apply a fall fertilizer. Choose one that’s specially formulated to support root development—this sets the stage for healthier growth in the spring. Next up is the final mow of the season. Trim your lawn a little shorter than usual—around 2.5 to 3 inches. This helps reduce the risk of snow mould forming over the winter, while still keeping enough length to protect the grass. If you notice any thin or bare spots, fall is also a great time to overseed. The cooler weather and extra moisture make it easier for new grass seed to take hold and grow before winter hits. A little extra attention now can make a big difference when spring rolls around.
Wondering what to plant in the fall? It turns out, fall is a great time for installing trees, shrubs, and perennials. Warm soil and cool air create the perfect environment for root development without the stress of summer heat.
Knowing when to plant trees, specifically, is crucial–aim for late September to early November, so roots can settle before the ground freezes. Want help choosing and planting the right mix? Explore our custom planting services.
Mulch is more than just a finishing touch—it plays an important role in protecting your garden through the fall and winter. It helps regulate soil temperature, retain moisture, and reduce the impact of harsh weather on your garden beds. It also keeps weeds at bay and improves soil quality over time as it naturally breaks down. To get the most out of mulching, apply a 2–3 inch layer around trees, shrubs, and perennials. Just be sure to keep mulch a few inches away from plant stems and tree trunks to prevent excess moisture from causing rot. Not sure what type to use? Bark mulch, shredded leaves, and pine needles are all excellent choices. They break down slowly and add valuable organic matter back into your soil. If you’re looking for help getting your garden fall-ready, Tree Amigos Landscaping offers expert garden design and maintenance services to make the job simple and stress-free.
Not everything needs trimming in the fall, but some strategic pruning now will go a long way.
· Dead, diseased, or damaged branches to prevent breakage under heavy snow.
· Spent perennials like hostas, daylilies, or peonies to discourage pests and diseases.
· Hedges or shrubs that need shaping.
· Spring-blooming shrubs (like lilacs or forsythia). Pruning now removes flower buds.
· Ornamental grasses and seed heads, which provide winter interest and food for birds.
· Evergreens, which can become vulnerable to winter burn.
Need help? Our experienced team of landscape care + maintain experts can help you make the right cuts for long-term health.
As the days grow shorter, outdoor lighting becomes even more essential–not just for atmosphere, but for safety and everyday convenience. Now is the perfect time to check that all your outdoor lights are working properly. Replace any burnt-out bulbs and inspect fixtures to ensure they’re still in good shape after the summer season. If you haven’t already, consider switching to energy-efficient LED lighting. LEDs are long-lasting and ideal for illuminating trees, walkways, entrances, and garden features. Don’t forget to also adjust your timers to account for earlier sunsets, so your outdoor spaces stay well-lit when you need them most. Looking to take it a step further? Fall is a great time to plan a full lighting update. Whether it’s adding pathway lights, uplighting focal trees, or incorporating subtle spotlights for seasonal décor, a thoughtful lighting design can dramatically enhance your home’s curb appeal and functionality. Learn more about the advantages of landscape lighting.
It’s easy to focus on plants and forget that patios, walkways, retaining walls, and stonework also need seasonal care. These features are especially vulnerable to freeze-thaw cycles, which can turn small cracks or uneven stones into bigger problems over the winter. Take time to inspect your hardscapes for any signs of damage or shifting. Re-level any uneven pavers, patch mortar joints, and reseal surfaces where needed to prevent water from getting in and causing further wear. Clearing away leaves, dirt, and debris will also help prevent staining and reduce moss or algae buildup. Hardscapes are a big investment–and with a little proactive maintenance, you can keep them looking great and functioning well for years to come.
Just because summer blooms are fading doesn’t mean your yard has to look bare. Fall is the perfect time to plant and position features that will stand out through the colder months. With a little planning, your landscape can have texture, contrast, and beauty—even when it’s covered in snow. Start with evergreens like cedar or juniper. These low-maintenance plants provide year-round greenery and structure. For a pop of colour, winter-interest shrubs like red twig dogwood are hard to beat. Their bright red stems bring vibrant contrast to snowy landscapes and look stunning when paired with neutral hardscape elements. And don’t forget—plants aren’t your only option. Decorative boulders, sculptural pieces, or other landscape art can provide visual interest and structure during the off-season.
Fall upkeep goes far beyond raking leaves. Now’s the time to pack up, store, and maintain your tools and outdoor features. Don’t forget to:
Thinking about an outdoor upgrade? Fall is the ideal time to start planning your next big landscaping project. With the busyness of summer behind you, it’s the perfect opportunity to take a step back and think about what worked, what didn’t and what you’d like to change. Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy firepit, a stylish new deck, or a full front yard transformation, starting the planning process now gives you a major advantage. For one, landscaping companies like Tree Amigos Landscaping tend to book up quickly in the spring. By getting ahead now, you’ll have more time to work through design tweaks, secure permits, finalize your budget, and even begin early prep work before winter sets in. Don’t wait until the spring rush. Start now and set your project up for success. Ready to explore the possibilities? Request a quote from Tree Amigos Landscaping and let’s bring your dream yard to life.
Let’s face it–fall lawn and garden care work can be overwhelming. From knowing when to plant trees to choosing the best mulch, there’s a lot of decisions to make. As one of the most trusted landscaping companies in the region, we’ve been helping Niagara homeowners and businesses with fall maintenance for years. Our team knows what thrives in local soil and weather, how to protect your hardscape investments, and which fall landscaping strategics offer the best ROI. Whether you need full-service garden design and maintenance services or just some help with mulching, we’re here to make your outdoor space the best it can be–now and for seasons to come. Explore some of our fall services.
Many homeowners and businesses often see fall as a time to slow down, but savvy landscaping companies know it’s actually a season full of preparation and opportunity. With the right care and expert guidance, your landscape can head into winter strong and emerge in spring looking healthier and more vibrant than ever. From fall lawn care to garden design and maintenance services, Tree Amigos Landscaping is here to help. We treat every property like it’s our own–because we believe in building outdoor spaces that last, inspire, and bring joy all year long. Ready to elevate your property this fall? Let’s make it happen. Request a quote today.
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