As the vibrant greens of summer give way to the fiery reds, oranges, and yellows of autumn, it’s the perfect time to do some fall landscaping. Southern Oregon’s mild fall weather provides an ideal window to prepare your yard for the colder months and set it up for a beautiful spring. Keep reading for Hilton Landscape Supply’s top fall landscaping tips.
10 Fall Landscaping Tips
1. Plant Fall-Friendly Trees and Shrubs
Southern Oregon’s moderate fall weather provides the perfect opportunity to plant new trees and shrubs. Native species like Oregon white oak, Pacific madrone, and Western redbud are excellent choices for adding autumn interest to your landscaping. Planting these these trees and shrubs in the fall gives them time to establish their roots before the winter rains, helping them thrive in the spring.
Tip: Consider adding evergreen shrubs such as manzanita or Oregon grape for year-round interest and low water needs.
2. Add a Fresh Layer of Mulch
Applying a fresh layer of mulch in the fall serves multiple purposes: it insulates plant roots during the cold months, helps retain moisture, and prevents weeds. In Southern Oregon, where fall rains can be plentiful, mulch also helps prevent soil erosion. Organic mulches like wood chips, bark, or compost will slowly break down over the winter, enriching the soil for spring growth.
Tip: Keep any mulch a few inches away from tree trunks and shrub stems to prevent rot.
3. Tend to Your Lawn
Your lawn needs extra attention in the fall to stay healthy through the winter. To promote a lush green lawn come spring, aerate your lawn to loosen compacted soil and allow water and nutrients to penetrate deeply. After aerating, overseed any bare patches and apply a slow-release fertilizer to feed your grass as it grows through the cooler months.
Tip: Rake up fallen leaves to prevent mold growth and maintain airflow to the grass. You can also compost the leaves for a rich, natural mulch.
4. Prune with Care
Fall is an excellent time to prune trees and shrubs, particularly those that bloom in the spring. While it’s tempting to trim everything back in preparation for winter, be cautious – over-pruning can stress plants and make them more susceptible to damage from the cold. Instead, focus on removing dead, damaged, or diseased branches to promote healthy growth and give your plants shape.
Tip: Clean and sharpen your pruning tools before use to avoid damaging your plants.
5. Plant Bulbs for Spring Blooms
Fall is the ideal time to plan ahead for your spring garden. Plant spring-blooming bulbs like daffodils, tulips, and crocuses. They’ll lie dormant through the winter, then bloom into a vibrant display as the weather warms. Southern Oregon’s fall weather is cool enough to encourage the bulbs’ root development but mild enough to avoid freezing them.
Tip: Choose a well-draining area to plant bulbs, as too much moisture can cause them to rot.
6. Prepare Your Vegetable Garden
As summer fades, your garden may show signs of wear and tear. Clear out dead or dying plants, fallen leaves, and any debris. Fall is also the perfect time to plant cool-season crops such as kale, spinach, and garlic. Southern Oregon’s relatively mild autumn weather allows these crops to thrive before the first frost.
Tip: Add a layer of compost to your vegetable garden beds to replenish nutrients and improve soil structure for the next growing season.
7. Water Wisely
As the days grow shorter and cooler, plants require less water. However, it’s important to continue watering deeply, especially for new plantings and evergreens. In Southern Oregon, where fall rains can be sporadic, using a drip irrigation system or watering early in the morning ensures your plants stay hydrated without encouraging fungal growth.
Tip: Adjust your irrigation system to account for cooler weather and potential rainstorms.
8. Enhance Curb Appeal with Fall Flowers
Even though summer blooms are fading, your garden doesn’t have to lose its charm. Brighten up your landscape with fall-blooming perennials and annuals. Plants like asters, mums, and pansies thrive in cooler temperatures and add a pop of color to your garden beds or containers. In Southern Oregon, these flowers can often last well into November, providing long-lasting brilliant colors.
Tip: Combine different textures and heights to create visual interest in your fall flower displays.
9. Prepare for Winter Pests
As temperatures drop, rodents and insects may seek shelter in your landscaping. Prevent pests from damaging your plants by clearing out fallen fruits and vegetables, cleaning up garden debris, and inspecting trees and shrubs for signs of infestation.
Tip: Consider using organic pest control methods, such as beneficial insects or neem oil, to manage any pest problems naturally.
10. Consider Installing Hardscaping Features
Fall is an excellent time to consider installing hardscape features like pathways, patios, or retaining walls. The cooler weather makes it easier to work outdoors, and having these structures in place will give your yard a finished look before the winter sets in.
Tip: These features can also help with drainage during Southern Oregon’s rainy season.
Prepare for Fall with Hilton Landscape Supply
Fall landscaping in Southern Oregon is more than just raking leaves – it’s a time to nurture your garden, prepare it for winter, and even introduce new plants that will thrive in the months ahead. From what perennials to plant to which mulch to use, our team of experts at Hilton Landscape Supply can help – they can even help you choose the right stone for your fire pit or retaining wall. Stop in today for fall landscaping tips to keep your yard healthy, vibrant, and ready for spring.