In Maryland, autumn and winter set the stage for spring success. Cooler air, steady rain, and resting plants create ideal conditions for smart work. With the right plan, your residential landscape stays healthy and looks cared for. Our landscape architects tailor these steps to your site and lifestyle. From Annapolis to Clarksburg, McLean to Easton, we help your property thrive
Fall Landscaping Tips (September–November)
Fall favors roots, planning, and clean transitions. Soil stays warm while air temperatures drop, which reduces stress on plants. You can plant, divide, and relocate with confidence. Maintenance now prevents winter damage and spring delays. Use this Maryland-focused checklist to get ahead.
Goals: Transition the landscape into dormancy, maximize root health, and prepare for cold weather.
Checklist:
- Plant trees, shrubs, and bulbs. Cooler air and warm soil drive strong root growth. Add tulips and daffodils now.
- Fertilize lawns and beds. Choose slow-release nutrition to strengthen roots before dormancy.
- Prune after leaf drop. Remove dead, crossing, or weak limbs to reduce storm damage.
- Leaf cleanup and mulching. Keep leaves off turf. Add 2–3 inches of mulch to insulate roots.
- Cut back perennials. Trim spent growth. Leave select grasses and seed heads for winter interest.
- Divide and transplant. Cooler weather eases stress on crowded perennials and shrubs.
- Check drainage. Identify low spots after heavy rains and plan corrections before freeze-thaw.
- Winterize irrigation and water features. Blow out lines and protect pumps to prevent cracks.
- Protect tender plants. Wrap young trees and broadleaf evergreens to reduce windburn.
Related services: Turf Management, Pest Management, Critical Areas & Drainage
Winter Landscaping Tips (December–February)
Winter rewards steady observation and timely action. Cold and wind test structures and plants. You can prevent breakage, salt stress, and shifting hardscape with simple checks. Use quiet months to plan design upgrades. Start now and spring work moves faster.
Goals: Protect plants from cold, monitor for damage, and prepare for spring.
Checklist:
- Inspect after snow and ice. Gently brush snow from evergreens. Do not shake ice-coated branches.
- Protect trunks and roots. Use guards on young trees and maintain clean, insulating mulch rings.
- Monitor salt exposure. Prefer calcium chloride near plants. Flush soils in early spring.
- Check hardscape and structures. Note shifted pavers, steps, or walls for early repairs.
- Maintain evergreens. Make light, corrective cuts. Save heavier pruning for late winter.
- Plan next year’s improvements. Assess beds, lighting, patios, and outdoor living spaces now.
- Maintain access and safety. Keep paths clear and lighting reliable. Avoid piling snow on lawns.
- Protect container plantings. Move pots to shelter or wrap containers to protect root balls.
Related services: Landscape Design-Build, Outdoor Living, Water Features
How McHale Landscape Design Helps Year-Round
Seasonal care works best with a coordinated plan. Our landscape architecture team brings four decades of local expertise. We align garden design, lawn care, and plant health care with your goals. You get one partner for planning, installation, and maintenance.
What sets us apart:
- Professional pruning and plant health care. Correct timing and technique protect structure and vigor.
- Custom soil and fertility programs. We test, amend, and feed for strong spring growth.
- Proactive protection. We wrap evergreens, winterize systems, and prevent freeze damage.
- Integrated design and maintenance. We connect seasonal cleanup with future outdoor living spaces.
Final Thoughts
Fall and winter are not off-seasons. They are preparation seasons. Invest in thoughtful care and your property rewards you in spring. If you want a landscape that looks intentional and grows stronger each year, start with a plan and consistent maintenance.
McHale Landscape Design is ready to help with landscape architecture, garden design, and lawn care across Maryland and Northern Virginia. Contact us to schedule your fall or winter service and plan next season’s improvements.
