Fall is hands-down one of the most important seasons for your landscape. Most folks think spring is when everything needs attention, but in reality? Fall is when we set the stage for healthy plants, strong roots, and a clean-looking property that makes it through winter without drama.
At Landesign, we’ve been providing expert landscaping services Sonoma County for over 30 years. We’ve seen what works, what doesn’t, and what shortcuts always come back to haunt you in spring.
So, whether you’re running an HOA, managing a big estate, or just want to keep the landscape on your property looking sharp, here’s what we recommend focusing on this fall.
TLDR: Fall Landscaping Priorities
Fall is the season to set your landscape up for success. Fertilize for stronger roots, rake leaves to prevent mold, refresh mulch and soil, and adjust irrigation for cooler temps. It’s also a great time to plant new color and prep commercial or HOA properties for curb appeal. Skip these steps, and you’ll face weaker plants, more weeds, and higher spring costs.
Fertilize Now, Reap the Rewards Later
Let’s start with one that often gets skipped: (fall fertilization [LINK TO OCT BLOG 2]). We get it, it’s easy to assume plants are “going to sleep,” so why feed them now? But here’s the thing: while your plants may not be growing up top, their roots are doing serious work underground.
Fall is prime time for root development. And when you give them the right nutrients now, they’ll be stronger, healthier, and way more resilient come spring.
We use a slow-release fertilizer that feeds gradually and works with the soil, not against it. No “one-size-fits-all” bags here. Just smart, seasonal care that fits our local climate and plant life.
Quick benefits:
- Stronger roots
- Better drought and disease resistance
- More vigorous growth in spring
If you’re hiring professional landscaping services in Sonoma County, make sure they’re not just dumping whatever’s left over from summer. Fall has its own rhythm, and fertilizer should match it.
Rake the Leaves
Alright, nobody loves raking leaves. But it’s got to be done, and not just for looks.
When leaves pile up on your lawn or in your planters, they trap moisture and can cause mold, lawn suffocation, and all kinds of fungal problems. Left long enough, they’ll also clog your drains and give pests a cozy home for the winter.
We recommend (staying on top of leaf cleanup [LINK TO OCT BLOG 1]) weekly, especially once they start falling heavy.
Pro tip: We don’t just rake, we also:
- Clear out storm drains and gutters
- Trim back tired perennials
- Clean up flower beds
- Haul or compost everything responsibly
This is the kind of maintenance that keeps your place looking polished, and helps avoid bigger problems down the line.
Don’t Forget Mulch and Soil Health
Fall is a great time to take care of your soil. Everything starts from the ground up, right?
We often add compost or mulch to help stabilize the soil, retain moisture, and insulate roots before winter kicks in. Plus, as it breaks down, it feeds your plants naturally.
And if you’ve got compacted soil from summer foot traffic or machinery, fall’s the season to aerate. It gives roots more room to breathe, improves drainage, and helps your turf soak up all the good stuff before going dormant.
Want Color? You Can Still Plant!
Think fall is the end of the planting season? Not so fast.
In Sonoma County, fall is actually a fantastic time to add new plants, especially perennials, native grasses, and cool-season color. Our warm days and cool nights are perfect for root establishment, and we get fewer pest issues this time of year.
We help clients pick plants that match their site, water use goals, attract local wildlife, and maintenance preferences. So, whether you’re going for bold color or a low-key, drought-tolerant look, there’s something you can plant now and enjoy for seasons to come.
Adjust Your Irrigation (Don’t Just Shut It Off)
As temps drop and rains (finally) roll in, your watering schedule needs a serious adjustment. Overwatering is a common issue in fall, it’s easy to forget the plants don’t need as much, and then boom: soggy soil, root rot, and wasted water.
Here’s what we typically do for our clients:
- Cut back irrigation run times
- Shut down unnecessary zones
- Prep systems for winter
- Check for leaks, sensor issues, and controller problems
If you’ve got smart irrigation tech, even better, we can fine-tune it based on weather data. And if not, fall is a great time to consider an upgrade.
For Commercial & HOA Properties: Fall is Curb Appeal Season
If you manage a business park, apartment complex, or large estate, fall landscaping plays a big role in how your property is perceived.
No one likes showing up to a property with soggy leaves everywhere, dry patches in the grass, or flower beds full of dead annuals. It doesn’t just look messy, it tells your tenants, customers, or residents that no one’s really paying attention.
We help commercial clients stay on top of everything:
- Routine cleanups
- Seasonal plantings
- Entryway refreshes
- Drainage checks before the rains
It’s all about showing care, keeping things safe, and protecting your landscape investment.
So What Happens If You Skip Fall Landscaping?
Sure, you could let things slide until spring. But here’s what we’ve seen after decades in this industry: skipping fall maintenance usually means…
- More weeds
- Weaker turf
- Plants that don’t bounce back
- Higher spring costs to fix it all
A little planning and TLC now goes a long way later. And honestly? It just feels good to head into the holidays knowing your landscape is buttoned up.
Why Work with Landesign?
At Landesign Construction & Maintenance, we’ve been doing this since 1990, and we’re still family-owned and locally rooted. Our crews know every corner of Sonoma County, from the vineyards in Kenwood to the hospitals in Santa Rosa, and we tailor everything we do to match the land and the client.
We’re not here to sell you fluff. We’re here to help you get the most out of your landscape, season after season. If you’re looking for landscaping services in Sonoma County that combine professionalism with practical know-how, give us a call.
Need a Hand This Fall? Call Landesign!
Let’s make your fall landscape work smarter, not harder. Whether you need cleanup, fertilizing, or a full seasonal game plan, we’ve got your back.
📞 Call us at (707) 578-2657 or contact Landesign online now to schedule a walk-through, and we’ll build a plan that fits your site, your budget, and your goals.
FAQ: Fall Landscaping Priorities
Q: Why is fall landscaping more important than spring?
A: Fall is when roots grow strongest. Fertilizing, mulching, and soil prep now ensure healthier, more resilient plants that thrive in spring.
Q: Do I really need to fertilize in fall?
A: Yes. Even if plants look dormant, their roots are active. A seasonal, slow-release fertilizer strengthens them for drought, pests, and vigorous spring growth.
Q: How often should I rake leaves?
A: Weekly during peak drop. Leaves left too long trap moisture, suffocate lawns, and invite mold, pests, and drainage issues.