Fall Landscape Maintenance Tips for Florida

Here are a few fall landscape maintenance tips specifically tailored for Florida yards: 

1. Prune and trim: Fall is a good time to prune and trim your shrubs, and trees. This will help shape them and promote healthy growth during the cooler months. “Trees and shrubs can be lightly pruned anytime,” according to the University of Florida. “To minimize reduction of next year’s flowers, prune spring-flowering plants such as azaleas, spireas, trumpet trees and dogwoods in late spring before the flower buds set for the next season. These plants set their flower buds on the previous season’s growth and the buds over winter on this older growth.”

2. Clean up fallen leaves: Although Florida doesn’t experience the same level of leaf drop as many other states, it’s still important to regularly remove any fallen leaves from your landscape. This helps prevent them from blocking drains or suffocating
grass and plants. Leaves can be mulched with many models of lawn mowers or raked up and composted or bagged as yard trash.

3. Monitor watering: Adjust your irrigation schedule to accommodate the changes in weather, evaporation rates, and municiple water restrictions. Reduce the frequency of watering as temperatures cool down and rainfall increases. Check with your city government to know when you are legally required to reduce your irrigation schedule. In much of Jacksonville residential watering is restricted to once per week during standard time November – March and two designated days during Daylight Savings Time depending on the address.

4. Plant cool-season annuals: Fall is an excellent time to add color to your garden by planting cool-season annuals such as geraniums, dianthus, pansies, petunias, marigolds, snapdragons, and sweet alyssum. These thrive in the milder temperatures of north and central Florida’s fall season. 

5. Control weeds: Take proactive measures to prevent winter weed seed varieties from germinating during the fall.  Apply a pre-emergent herbicide when night time temperatures are between 55-60F to inhibit the seeds from germinating and establish a chemical barrier on the soil surface to prevent further germination. October is typically the best fall month for pre-emergent herbicide application. List of weed varieties.

6. Check irrigation system: Inspect your irrigation system for any leaks, clogged sprinklers, or damaged components. Adjust sprinkler heads to ensure proper coverage and water distribution. Contact Rockaway to schedule a comprehensive irrigation system check or service.

7. Prepare for colder temperatures: While Florida is known for its mild winters, it’s still a good idea to be prepared for the occasional cold snap. Be prepared to cover sensitive plants or move them indoors temporarily during freezing temperatures.

From our office in Atlantic Beach and satellites throughout Northeast Florida, Rockaway Inc proudly serves both commercial and residential landscape design, maintenance, lawn care, irrigation, and outdoor living carpentry client needs in Jacksonville, St Augustine, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, St. Johns, and Fernandina Beach.