Top 5 Landscaping Mistakes to Avoid This Fall

Fall is a beautiful time of year. The colors change, the air turns crisp and the yard feels less demanding than in the heat of the summer. But it's also the season when many homeowners make small missteps that can create big problems for their landscape come spring. Avoiding a few common mistakes now will save you headaches and money later.

1. Skipping drainage prep

One of the most overlooked parts of fall yard care is water management. Leaves clog gutters, rain collects in low spots and before long, lawns turn into soggy patches. Ignoring drainage issues in autumn can lead to erosion, standing water and even foundation problems once the ground freezes.

Simple steps to prevent issues:

• Clean out gutters and downspouts.
• Walk your property to spot low-lying areas where water collects.
• Clear debris from drains before the first frost.

2. Forgetting about soil health

Healthy plants and lawn start with healthy soil. Many people assume soil care is something to worry about in spring, but fall is actually the perfect time to prepare the ground for the next growing season. Skipping this step leaves soil compacted and nutrient-depleted.

What helps most:

• Loosening the soil.
• Adding compost or organic matter.
• Testing soil pH and adjusting if needed.
• Applying a slow-release fertilizer designed for fall.

3. Cutting back plants too soon

Fall cleanup feels satisfying, but it's easy to go overboard with pruning. If you cut back perennials, shrubs or trees at the wrong time, you could be doing more harm than good. Pruning in fall often triggers fresh growth, which won't survive a hard frost. Over-trimming can also strip plants of natural winter protection.

What to do instead:

• Know which plants can be pruned in fall (and which should wait until spring).
• Avoid heavy pruning until plants are fully dormant.
• Leave some seed heads or stalks for winter interest and to provide food for birds.

4. Mulching the wrong way

Mulch is a great way to protect roots from harsh winter temperatures, but only if it's applied correctly. Too much mulch, or piling it directly against tree trunks, does more harm than good.

Best practices for fall mulching:

• Apply 2-4 inches of mulch before the ground freezes.
• Keep a small gap between mulch and tree trunks to prevent rot.
• Use mulch around flower beds, shrubs and young trees to help them through the winter.

5. Ignoring winter prep

Fall isn't just about raking leaves. It's also about setting up the yard to handle snow, ice and freezing temperatures. Small tasks that get skipped now often become big repairs in spring.

Don't forget to:

• Drain and shut off irrigation systems and outdoor faucets.
• Rake up leaves to prevent mold and pests.
• Store outdoor furniture and protect fragile features.
• Check hardscapes (patios, walkways, retaining walls) for cracks or shifting before freeze-thaw cycles worsen them.

Conclusion

Fall landscaping is all about looking ahead. Taking the time now to prepare your yard, whether that means clearing drains, boosting soil health, protecting plants or checking hardscapes, will pay off when spring arrives.

Avoiding these common mistakes helps ensure your lawn and garden don't just survive the winter, but come back stronger, healthier and easier to maintain. A little effort this season sets the stage for a landscape you can enjoy all year long.

Ready to get your yard set for winter? Start with one or two of these simple steps this week, and you'll thank yourself when spring rolls around.