7 Yard Landscaping Mistakes You Shouldn't Make This Fall/Winter

As fall comes upon us, you are likely getting your lawn ready for the winter months to come. 

Or at the very least you should be. Fall preparations can have a huge impact on the health of your lawn next year.

Here’s the deal, there are some very common mistakes that homeowners make when preparing their lawns for winter.

Below are 7 common lawn care mistakes people make in the fall. 

And how to avoid making them!

1. Cutting the Lawn TOO Low

As winter rolls in it is generally a good idea to cut your lawn lower than you did in the warmer months. Especially if you are planning to aerate and overseed. 

However, cutting your lawn too low can cause issues, even during the cooler months. In general, you want to keep your grass around 2.5 inches in height during the cooler months. Otherwise, you risk damaging your lawn. 

Here's the deal, grass that is too short won’t retain moisture, and won’t photosynthesis properly. This can lead to fungal diseases and other issues. 

Pro tip! Don’t cut your lawn shorter than 2.5 inches as winter approaches. 

2. Not Watering During Dry-Spells

Look, simply because it’s cold out, doesn't mean that your plants don’t need water when it’s dry. 

It’s true, plants don’t need as much water during the winter. However, they may still need water from time to time. Especially if you have a recently planted, or transplanted tree or shrub.  Or you have a new lawn that is still establishing itself. 

Remember to be mindful of rainfall, and water as needed. Even during the fall and winter. 

3. Failing to Deer-Proof Your Landscape

Depending on where you live, one of the biggest threats to your landscape is the roaming herbivore, the deer. While deer might be welcomed guests throughout most of the year. 

During the winter, especially when it snows. Deer get hungry! 

And while they might leave your delicately pruned landscape around most of the year. During the cooler months, deer will munch on nearly anything they can get to. Even plants marketed as deer-resistant. 

Pro Tip! Consider a regular application of deer spray, or install temporary fencing. 

4. Not Fertilizing, or Using the Wrong Type

It's true, while regular fertilizer applications throughout the year make a healthy lawn. Most people simply can not afford to fertilize the lawn as regularly as they could. 

But, there are 2 annual applications that all homeowners who are serious about their lawns SHOULD NOT skip. And those applications are; an early spring and a late fall fertilizer application. 

In the late fall, you want to put down a winter fertilizer that contains phosphorus. Phosphorus stimulates root growth and overall plant development. This will help your lawn get the nutrition it needs throughout the winter, and come into the new year stronger than ever. 

5. Leaving the Leaves on the Yard

This is a big one, for many reasons. Be sure to collect the leaves in your yard before winter rolls in. 

There are many reasons to be sure you don’t leave fall leaves all winter. Leaves in the yard over the winter can: 

• Lead to mold and fungus growth in the yard, 

• Give a habitat for rodents and bugs to live in, 

• And lead to premature rot around your home.

Pro tip! With a mulching blade on your lawnmower, you can chop fall leaves into little bits that will break down and feed your lawn. Best of all you won’t need to bust out the rake. 

6. Failing to Plant Bulbs

While you may not have considered this, but the best way to get year-round color on a budget is planting bulbs in the fall. There are countless varieties of flowering plants that are available in bulbs. 

In my experience, planting bulbs is one of the most cost-effective things you can do to spice up your lawn and landscape. Not only are bulbs much easier to plant, they are much cheaper too! 

7. Failing to Inspect Your Trees for Injury

Winter is harsh on trees. And if your trees are injured, winter is likely going to make it worse.  

Once the leaves have fallen from your trees, you will have a clear line of sight on any injuries that your trees may have. Look for broken branches, damaged trunks, insect infestations, and fungal growth. 

If in doubt, hire a tree care expert. Trees can be quite valuable, and they are worth taking care of. 

Pro Tip! Inspect your trees for damage before and after winter. It will be easier to see any apparent damage when the leaves are down from the trees. 

Winter Preparation at the End of the Day

To ensure a healthy lawn next year and avoid common fall lawn care mistakes, follow these tips:

1. Don't cut your lawn too low (keep it around 2.5 inches).
2. Water your plants as needed, even during dry spells in fall and winter.
3. Protect your landscape from hungry deer with deer spray or fencing.
4. Apply late fall fertilizer with phosphorus for root growth.
5. Remove leaves from your yard to prevent mold, pests, and rot.
6. Plant bulbs in the fall for year-round color on a budget.
7. Inspect your trees for injuries before and after winter to keep them healthy.

At the end of the day, avoiding these 7 lawn care mistakes this fall will give you a greener, more colorful yard next year. 

Perhaps more importantly, keeping these points in mind will save you issues down the road. And help you keep your lawn looking better year after year. 

For more great lawn care and landscaping tips, be sure to check out our landscaping blog. 

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