As temperatures cool and leaves start to fall, many homeowners in Lebanon, Ohio assume the landscaping season is winding down. In truth, fall is one of the most important times of year for yard maintenance and preparation. What you do between September and November sets the foundation for how your lawn and garden perform when spring returns.
Here’s a practical, local-focused guide to fall landscaping that keeps your property thriving year-round.
1. Rethink Fall Cleanup: It’s About More Than Just Leaves
Lebanon’s neighborhoods — from downtown’s historic homes to the open lots near Turtlecreek Township — see a ton of leaf drop in autumn. While it’s tempting to rake everything into piles and call it a day, leaving some organic material behind is actually healthy.
Shred leaves with a mower and let the mulch return nutrients to your soil. This reduces waste, saves time, and improves lawn resilience. Just avoid thick layers that block sunlight — a light mulch helps, but heavy mats smother grass.
If your property has drainage issues (a common problem in Warren County’s clay-heavy soil), this is also the perfect time to clear gutters, ditches, and low spots so winter runoff doesn’t flood your yard.
2. Feed and Protect Your Lawn Before Winter
Cool-season grasses dominate in southern Ohio — and they love fall weather. Fertilizing in late September or early October strengthens roots, giving your lawn a nutrient boost that carries it through dormancy.
When you aerate before fertilizing, you open compacted soil, letting water and nutrients penetrate deeply. It’s one of those simple, once-a-year tasks that makes a major difference in spring growth.
If your lawn has bare spots or thinning areas, overseed now. Cooler air and warm soil are ideal conditions for germination.
Want to save time? Many homeowners opt for a bundled lawn and landscape maintenance service that covers aeration, seeding, and cleanup all at once — ensuring consistency and fewer weekend chores.
3. Trim, Prune, and Plant Smartly
Fall pruning is more than aesthetic — it’s strategic. Trim perennials, shrubs, and small trees to prevent snow damage and disease over winter. Avoid cutting spring-blooming plants too early, but remove any dead or crossing branches that might invite pests.
Late fall is also prime time to plant trees and shrubs in Lebanon. Cooler weather encourages strong root development without the stress of summer heat. By the time spring arrives, your new additions are already established and ready to thrive.
4. Address Drainage and Soil Health
Lebanon’s rolling landscapes and older properties often face runoff and pooling water issues. Correcting grading problems or adding drainage solutions in fall ensures snowmelt and spring rains don’t erode your soil or drown your plants.
Clay soil benefits from organic matter — compost, leaf mold, or fine mulch — tilled lightly into garden beds. Over time, this improves structure and allows better airflow and drainage.
5. Plan for Next Season Now
A well-timed fall landscaping effort does more than just “clean up.” It’s your launchpad for next year’s curb appeal. Whether you’re dreaming of a backyard patio, retaining wall, or seasonal planting refresh, now’s the time to plan and schedule it.
Lebanon’s best landscapers often book early for spring, so getting on the calendar before winter ensures your project gets priority when the weather breaks.
If you’re ready to elevate your outdoor space — from soil health to full property design — visit Shawn’s Landscape to learn how local expertise and year-round planning can transform your home’s exterior.
Final Thought:
Fall isn’t the end of landscaping season — it’s the reset. With the right mix of cleanup, care, and foresight, your Lebanon property will wake up in spring healthier, greener, and easier to maintain than ever.
