Fall Landscaping Tips for The Hudson Valley Region

Top 4 Fall Landscaping Tips for Homeowners in the Hudson Valley Region

As crisp autumn air settles over the Hudson Valley, homeowners in Westchester and Putnam County prepare their landscapes for colder months ahead. Fall is a critical season for setting up lawns, gardens, and trees for long-term health and beauty. At Maple Leaf Associates Inc., we’ve helped local clients transition their properties seamlessly from summer into winter. Here are the top four priorities to focus on this fall.

1. Leaf Cleanup and Lawn Care

Fallen leaves may look picturesque, but if left unattended, they can smother grass and invite disease.

• Rake and Remove: Keep lawns clear of heavy leaf buildup to protect turf health.
• Aerate and Seed: Fall is the best time to overseed thin lawns and improve soil structure.
• Final Mow: Give your lawn one last cut before winter, keeping grass slightly shorter to reduce snow mold.

Professional crews can handle large-scale cleanups efficiently while also ensuring lawns are properly prepped for spring growth.

2. Mulch and Protect Plant Beds

Mulching in the fall insulates soil, conserves moisture, and safeguards plant roots during temperature swings.

• Apply Fresh Mulch: A 2–3 inch layer helps regulate soil temperature as winter approaches.
• Protect Root Zones: Keep mulch slightly away from trunks and stems to prevent rot and pests.
• Compost Benefits: Consider incorporating compost for added nutrients and healthier spring soil.

Well-placed mulch shields your landscape from frost while enhancing curb appeal through the winter months.

3. Prune and Prepare Plants

Fall is an ideal season to prune selectively and prepare perennials and shrubs for dormancy.

• Cut Back Perennials: Remove dead stems and foliage to reduce disease pressure in spring.
• Prune Trees and Shrubs: Thinning branches now helps improve structure and prevents storm damage later.
• Wrap Sensitive Plants: Burlap protection is useful for boxwoods, hollies, and other evergreens prone to winter burn.

A careful fall pruning program ensures stronger, healthier growth when plants awaken in spring.

4. Planting and Planning Ahead

Autumn’s cooler weather and warm soil provide the perfect conditions for planting and preparing for next year.

• Fall Planting: Install trees, shrubs, and hardy perennials to establish strong root systems before frost.
• Spring Bulbs: Plant tulips, daffodils, and other bulbs now for early color next season.
• Plan Ahead: Work with a landscape professional to design winter protection strategies and spring upgrades.

Taking proactive steps in the fall creates a resilient and beautiful landscape that thrives year-round.

If you’re ready to prepare your property for the colder months, let the experts at Maple Leaf Associates Inc. help. Call (845) 526-2024 to schedule a fall maintenance consultation. We proudly serve homeowners throughout the Hudson Valley region with seasonal landscaping, mulch installation, tree planting, and more.