9 Fall Landscaping Tips for Canadian Homeowners

Did you know that the Fall is actually a great time for many landscaping tasks? There is so much that can be done at the end of the season for optimal winterization, ensuring you are ready to go when the Spring comes around.

What makes this time of year ideal for things like root development and establishing new plants, is the cooler temperatures and warm soil. It’s also great for tasks like mulching, weeding, and setting out compost. Fall is the time to reimagine and fortify your landscape, cultivating a yard that thrives year-round and looks fantastic, no matter the season!

1. Create your checklist for Fall and plan ahead for Spring

Map out what you need for September-November by creating a monthly checklist. During the winter, use the time to analyze and redesign your yard. Sketch ideal layouts, research plant varieties, or schedule future installations.

2. Give your lawn a strong finish to the season

Aerate, fertilize, overseed, and mow lower. September’s cooler temps and increased rainfall make it ideal for aerating, fertilizing with a slow-release formula, and overseeding to repair summer damage which sets your lawn up for healthy spring growth. 

3. Mulch for protection and soil health

Apply a 2–3 inch layer of organic mulch around trees, perennials, and garden beds. Mulch insulates roots, conserves moisture, controls weeds, and enriches soil. Always make sure to keep it a few inches away from stems to prevent rot. Check out gardening resources like The Spruce for more! 

4. Strategically plant trees, shrubs & perennials

Opt for fall planting because warm soils with cool air give plants a head start on root development. Consider native fall-colour champions like sugar maples, dogwoods, coneflowers, and hostas! 

5. Clean, prune and tidy up

Clear fallen leaves and debris as leaves can smother turf, hinder lawn health, and clog drains. Prune dead or diseased branches, trim spent blooms and unruly growth to reduce winter hazards. 

6. Prep garden beds for winter

Like the Nature Conservancy of Canada recommends, remove plant debris and weeds, add compost or manure, and consider planting cover crops or collecting seeds. These steps maintain soil health and curb pests over winter. 

7. Protect trees from wind and weather

Stake young trees to guard against fall winds and early snow loads, ensuring they’re well-rooted before freezing temperatures arrive.

8. Consider hardscaping & curb-appeal enhancements

Fall isn’t just for planting! It's ideal for hardscape projects like patios and walkways. Contractors are often more available, and your landscape is less likely to be disrupted before spring. Simple updates like repainting trim or adding mulch to entry beds can also dramatically boost curb appeal.

9. Prepare for winter beauty

Think beyond dormancy. Evergreen shrubs, hardscaping, window boxes, and outdoor lighting help maintain interest through the colder months. Use winter-hardy plants like boxwood, inkberry, or red twig dogwood for year-round colour. 

Bonus tip: Need some inspiration for province specific low maintenance winter plants? Here are some examples! 

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