Fall can be a beautiful season in Ohio, with the changing colors of the leaves, crisp weather, and cozy vibes. However, it can also be a challenging time for homeowners who want to maintain their landscape's beauty during this season. If you’re not careful, these challenges can lead to your landscaping suffering, or even dying out entirely, which can have a drastically negative impact on your curb appeal and property value.

In this helpful guide, we’ll discuss some unique challenges Ohio homeowners may face during the fall months and provide five tips for creating an ideal landscape maintenance schedule to keep your property looking its best despite these challenges.

Unique challenges in fall landscaping for Ohio homeowners.

Changing weather.

The changing weather in Ohio can present a challenge for your landscape maintenance schedule during the fall months. As temperatures drop, it can affect the growth and vibrancy of plants. In addition, the changing temperatures can cause stress on shrubs and trees, leading to potential issues in the future.

Falling leaves.

Along with the beautiful colors of fall come falling leaves. It can be visually appealing, but it can also be a nuisance since it can block sunlight to plants, become a slip-and-fall hazard, and attract pests that can damage landscaping.

Seasonal plants.

Many plants in Ohio are seasonal and only thrive during certain seasons. As fall arrives, some plants will begin to die off, leading to bare spots in the landscape. This can create a visually unappealing look to the landscape and can also lead to erosion and other issues.

Helpful tips for creating an effective fall landscape maintenance schedule.

Clean up falling leaves.

While the changing leaves can be beautiful, they can also become a hindrance to landscaping. It is important to clean up fallen leaves regularly to prevent them from blocking sunlight or becoming a slip and fall hazard. Leaves can also be composted and used for mulch in the spring.

Prune shrubs and trees.

As the weather changes, it can be stressful on shrubs and trees. It is important to prune away any dead branches as they can lead to issues later on. Pruning can also help to shape the shrub or tree for better growth during the next season.

Plant seasonal fall flowers.

While some plants may die off during the fall, others may thrive during this time. By planting seasonal fall flowers, you can add color and texture to your landscape. Some fall flowers that do well in Ohio include chrysanthemums, asters, and pansies.

Add mulch to your landscaping.

By adding a layer of mulch to your landscaping beds, you can protect your plants from the harsh winter weather and prevent weeds from growing. Additionally, it can add aesthetic appeal to your landscaping by creating a darker contrast to your otherwise lush and vibrant landscape features.

Prepare for the upcoming winter.

As the fall season progresses, it is important to prepare your landscape for the upcoming winter weather. To protect your trees and shrubs, you can wrap them in burlap or add a layer of mulch to the base. You may also want to drain and store outdoor hoses, turn off exterior faucets, and bring any outdoor furniture into storage. This way, you can effortlessly transition from your fall landscape maintenance schedule into the repurposed winter one.

Do you need help creating the perfect fall landscape maintenance schedule?

The dedicated landscaping professionals at Runkel Landscape Associates Inc. are the perfect partners to protect your landscaping during the cold fall and winter months. We bring a commitment to excellence to all of our projects that guarantees complete customer satisfaction. Together, we can help you create the perfect strategy to keep your landscaping features lush and vibrant all year long. Browse our services online to see how we can help, or get in touch to schedule a consultation today.