The fall isn't a time when plants die, but rather a time when they fortify, strengthening roots for the cold winter months. This is why the fall season offers the prospect of a new beginning for your landscape. At State College Lawn Care, we support homeowners in ensuring that their lawns and gardens are well taken care of and well prepared for the colder months. As a result, we often see common fall landscaping mistakes that should be avoided. In this post we will help you in ensuring your yard remains vibrant and appealing in the months to come.

Fall is a crucial season in the lifecycle of your landscape. While many plants are preparing for a period of dormancy during the winter months, it's during this time that they engage in critical activities beneath the surface. Root systems strengthen, and essential nutrients are stored to sustain plant life during the cold season. Thus, it's essential to provide your landscape with the support and care it needs to thrive.

Common Fall Landscaping Mistakes and How to Dodge Them

• Neglecting Lawn Maintenance
  One of the most common fall landscaping mistakes is assuming that, as the growing season winds down, your lawn requires minimal attention. However, the reality is quite the opposite. Fall is a crucial time for lawn care. Skipping essential tasks like mowing, aeration, and fertilization can result in a less healthy lawn come spring. Give your lawn one final trim before the frost sets in, mowing at a slightly shorter height than in the summer, but avoid cutting it too short, as this can stress your grass. This task prevents snow mold and other fungal diseases during the winter.

• Overlooking Leaf Removal
  The vibrant leaves that fall from the trees are a sight to behold, but when left to accumulate, they can become problematic. A thick layer of fallen leaves can smother your grass, block sunlight, trap moisture, and create an ideal environment for mold and lawn diseases. Regular raking and leaf removal are crucial to maintaining a healthy lawn. You can also consider mulching the leaves to provide your lawn with additional nutrients.

• Pruning at the Wrong Time
  Pruning is a necessary practice for shaping your landscape and promoting the health of your plants and trees. However, doing it at the wrong time can be detrimental. Fall is not the ideal season for extensive pruning. It's best to save major pruning for the late winter or early spring, as doing so in the fall can stimulate new growth that's vulnerable to frost damage. Light pruning and removal of dead or diseased branches can be carried out in the fall.

• Failing to Protect Trees and Shrubs
  Your trees and shrubs require protection during the colder months. Wrapping the trunks of young or vulnerable trees with tree guards or burlap can protect them from frost cracks and rodent damage. Additionally, mulching the base of plants and shrubs can provide insulation and help regulate soil temperature, preventing sudden temperature fluctuations that can stress your plants.

• Skipping Soil Testing and Amendments
  Understanding your soil is crucial for effective landscaping. Without a soil test, you may be applying the wrong fertilizers or amendments, potentially harming your plants. Fall is an ideal time for soil testing, as it allows you to make necessary adjustments to ensure the soil is prepared for a healthy growing season come spring. Soil testing reveals your soil's pH level and nutrient content, providing you with the information needed to make informed decisions about amendments. If the pH levels are too high or too low, consider adding lime to raise the pH or sulfur to lower it. The goal is to provide your plants and grass with the precise nutrients they need to thrive.

• Neglecting Winter Lawn Care Planning
  Proper planning for winter lawn care is a crucial step in maintaining a healthy landscape. Failing to prepare for winter can lead to lawn damage, erosion, and other issues. Consider overseeding your lawn in the fall, ensuring proper drainage, and protecting it from heavy foot traffic. Aeration, overseeding, and applying winter fertilizers are steps you can take to prepare your lawn for the winter season. Properly maintained lawns are better able to withstand the challenges of winter and emerge lush and green in the spring.

• Underestimating Professional Landscaping Services
  While many landscaping tasks can be performed by homeowners, it's important to recognize when professional services are necessary. Landscaping experts have the knowledge, experience, and equipment to handle complex tasks like tree pruning, irrigation system winterization, and soil testing. Consulting with a professional landscaper can help you make the right decisions for your landscape's needs.

Fall landscaping is a delicate balance of preparation and preservation. By avoiding common fall landscaping mistakes and taking proactive measures, you can ensure that your landscape remains beautiful and healthy year-round. The care and attention you provide to your lawn and garden during the fall season are an investment in the lush and vibrant landscape that awaits you in spring.

Our team is available year round to help homeowners in State College, Boalsburg, Bellefonte, Mill Hall, Howard, Harrisburg, Spring Mills, Centre Hall, and surrounding areas. We work with homeowners to ensure that their lawn and gardens are always looking their best. From mulching and leaf removal, mowing, snow removal and more, State College Lawn Care is ready to help you make the most of your landscape this fall and beyond.

Ready to ensure your landscape thrives in the fall and blooms in the spring? Contact State College Lawn Care today to schedule your fall landscaping services.