Summer flew by, and now fall has returned. Temperatures are slowly falling, leaves are beginning to change color, and pumpkin-spiced treats are popping up. Changes are coming to commercial landscapes, too.
In the Midwest, Fall Lawn Care treatment tasks are a must during the fall.
The seasonal timing is crucial if you want your property to withstand the upcoming winter elements and be ready to bounce back with new growth next spring.
We’ve put together a list of five vital landscape maintenance tasks for the fall. These best practices will ensure your property has maximum curb appeal and healthy plants, turf, and trees. For a quick scan, you can use the handy tables in the article (including winter freeze dates for the Midwest).
We can’t overstate how vital fall lawn fertilization is in the Midwest. Cool-season grasses need a slow-release, balanced fertilizer application. That’s because fall is the ideal time to build up strong roots for your turf.
What do strong roots mean for a lawn? It helps it endure brutal cold weather in states like Missouri, Indiana, and Illinois. Healthy root systems also cause turf to hit its stride when spring arrives. Your landscape provider shouldn’t wait until spring to fertilize. Fall is the head start that turns average grass into vibrant turf that turns heads.
Aeration and overseeding are also musts for healthy Midwest lawns. Aeration enhances the soil quality because compacted soil is not as suitable for growing grass. It keeps water and nutrients from penetrating the soil. Aeration loosens the soil dramatically, making a clear path for moisture and nutrients that grass roots need for maximum health and resilience. Mechanical aeration (removal of soil plugs with a machine) is the most popular form of aeration. Some commercial landscapers do offer liquid aeration. See the comparison chart below of the two techniques.
Overseeding works best when done right after aeration, whether it’s mechanical or liquid aeration. The following grass types are adapted to the Midwestern climate:
Lime is another part of fall lawn care. Similar to seeding, this task is best performed after aeration. Lime treatments are designed to restore pH balance to the soil. This matters most where the soil pH has dropped below 6.0. Of course, your landscaping company should be trained in soil testing to be sure they’re adding the correct amount of lime.
What many property owners don’t realize about leaf clean-ups and leaf removal services is that numerous variables come into play, such as:
Those are the main variables that call for fall clean-up flexibility. For instance, on a small property with only a few young trees, those few leaves may be fine to use around beds to add nutrients. They could also be mulched into the lawn.
On a large property with wooded areas, a large portion of leaves can be blown into the woods unless there’s an overwhelming amount. Finally, if your community offers composting or recycling of yard waste, that may be the best option. It’s a smart way to manage debris sustainably.
Safety comes into play as well as aesthetics, though.
Large piles of leaves can invite pests like ticks, which cause the very serious Lyme disease. Rodents are known to tunnel into leaf piles as well. Leaves can even make hiding spots for venomous snakes such as copperheads and timber rattlesnakes in Midwest states like Illinois.
But the safety pitfalls of fallen leaves go beyond those issues. Wet leaves are slippery, causing thousands of injuries on sidewalks annually. The longer they remain on wet sidewalks and parking lots, the more mildew grows, making them even slicker. No property owner wants to see people fall and injure themselves.
Not to mention the litigation risks with a slip-and-fall accident. There were over 73,000 personal injury lawsuits filed in Chicago alone (Illinois Courts Statistics 2023).
Now, we need to discuss the impact fallen leaves and landscape debris have on perceptions.
It may be hard to describe the exact amount of acceptable leaves to be left on a property. But everyone knows when there are too many because it causes a cluttered look. And no one intends to have their property look untidy or unprofessional.
Lawns and landscape beds free of decaying leaves look more inviting. It shows the property is being properly managed by professionals who care. Guests, residents, and staff notice the difference between clean curb appeal and cluttered debris in the form of twigs, limbs, and leaves scattered around.
The best fall clean-up solution for tidiness is regularly scheduled clean-ups.
Yellowstone Landscape’s Midwest clients usually opt for three to four clean-ups in the fall. This keeps leaf piles from growing from molehills of clutter to a mountain of disarray. We serve some clients who request more than four clean-ups due to the high number of mature trees on-site.
It’s not only the visuals - your valuable turf can be damaged by leaves left to weigh down the grass. Heavy leaves can smother turf by denying it sunlight and air flow. This also leads to mold creeping in, and a diseased lawn is incredibly vulnerable when winter arrives.
Cutting back shrubs, ornamental grasses, and perennials during leaf fall is a best practice. For one, it’s the right timing all across the Midwestern region. Two, the trimmings can be cleaned up during leaf clean-ups.
This adds efficiency, preserving resources and cutting down on the time crews have to be on-site, making outdoor spaces accessible to residents and visitors more quickly.
Most perennials benefit from being cut back all the way to ground- or nearly-ground-level. Here’s why:
Perennials that should be cut to ground level to prepare for winter include hostas, daylilies, and coreopsis.
Larger ornamental plantings can be left standing instead of trimmed all the way back. Reasons not to trim these include retaining their visual appeal during winter and the shelter they offer birds. If they’re structurally sound, they might catch snow, adding seasonal beauty during winter.
Swaying grasses with fragile stems and some sedges are not ideal for being left intact during fall landscape maintenance. They can make landscape beds look messy and hang over walkways.
Many people enjoy the chill of winter. Others find it a bit gloomy as Seasonal Affective Disorder affects thousands of people at the end of fall through winter. That’s why it’s wise to select plants that provide color and intrigue during the cold season.
Shrubs with colorful stems are a good choice. The same is true for evergreen foliage or native Midwest plants with interesting berries, such as:
Bird attractors like coneflowers also brighten commercial landscapes as the days get shorter and more overcast. Plant species with seedheads offer food for desirable wildlife, while the long stems create an appealing aesthetic with snowy backdrops.
See three more bird-attracting plants that work in Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois below.
Are those the only fall planting ideas to add some color and energy for the chilly winter season?
Thankfully, no. Yellowstone Landscape’s designers like mixing certain landscape elements to prepare for winter. Our clients say the creativity that fuses evergreens with winter pots, decorative stone, and creative lighting helps keep their properties “upbeat” even during the slowdown of freezing temps.
Fall is the prime time to brace your landscape for the harsh winters that the Midwest is known for. There are techniques for adding a layer of protection for your most valuable plants and trees. With the right steps, even the root systems will avoid freeze damage so they can produce maximum plant health next spring.
The first protective measure a good landscape provider should take during fall maintenance is applying anti-desiccant treatments. These coat foliage to reduce evaporation and protect vulnerable plant tissue as cold weather swoops in. Late fall is the best time to apply anti-desiccant treatments.
The following plantings benefit from treatments since they’re vulnerable to winter exposure:
What about root protection tasks in the fall?
Mulch is the best ally of plant, shrub, and tree roots. Proper mulching not only looks nice, but it also insulates root systems while preserving valuable moisture. Furthermore, when mulch is kept at an ideal thickness (two to four inches), it helps prevent freeze damage to valuable plantings.
As we mentioned earlier, a small amount of leaves may be left in landscape beds. They can act as a natural mulch and even be covered with wood mulch. The decomposing leaves will add nutrients to the soil. But your provider will need to assess the amount of leaves since too many will be a detriment due to the acid in leaves making the soil overly acidic.
Most plants don’t need an abundance of water during winter. However, a dry fall means deep slow watering will help plants thrive and be strong enough to endure harsh winter elements. Properly watered plants and trees make other fall tasks like mulching and anti-desiccant sprays more effective.
Of course, your commercial landscaper should be scheduling winterization of your irrigation system. And if they haven't done a water audit all year (which they should have), request an audit during fall maintenance.
When fall arrives, that means you have about 90 days to get ready for the realities of Midwest snow and ice storms. Your snow and ice management company should have a mindful plan to avoid any damage to your property.
Salt products can damage plants. Even when providers are careful with the application, salt runoff can harm plant material. Areas where runoff is possible should be noted and monitored. Calcium chloride deicers are also an option to protect trees and landscape beds from harsher salt deicers.
Finally, hardscape features, fire hydrants, and curbs should be flagged to avoid snow plow damage. Your snow removal company should have a plan in place in the fall to handle the flagging well before a snow storm blankets your property, hiding objects that can be damaged by heavy equipment.
As the chart above shows, there are proven steps to enhance fall planting. It’s the best time to install most plant species - from grass to shrubbery to trees. But best practices matter too. Plus, fall installations are affected by the specific type of plant, site conditions, and recent climate patterns.
Let’s break down large tree planting first.
Late fall is the ideal time to plant larger tree species. The window for installation is after a tree goes dormant and before hard frost arrives. Can large trees be planted in early spring? Yes. At Yellowstone, we realize all the factors that go into property owners' decisions to install trees. So, sometimes it has to wait until spring.
Still, it’s critical to know that fall gives trees the best chance at thriving in the long run. The cooler fall soil helps reduce transplant shock. Fall installation means the roots have a head start on growth and adapting to the site soil. Once spring arrives, these trees have already gained strength, versus “starting from scratch” in April.
Winter freezes are tough on some plants. However, spring-flowering bulbs desperately need winter’s chill so they can produce healthy, vibrant bulbs come springtime. Bulbs, such as the seven listed below, should be planted by your provider between mid-September and late October (before the ground freezes).
To ensure fall bulb installation produces top-tier blooms later on, the soil pH should be checked and adjusted if need be. The soil should also be loosened if compacted. Should the soil be clay-heavy, compost or peat moss can be added to improve drainage and soil quality.
Fall is a good time to divide some grasses and perennials to replant in other areas or fill in bed gaps. This is an eco-friendly fall maintenance task that can work well depending on site conditions.
As for turf areas, fall weather is ideal for laying sod and reseeding lawns. Grass roots are established more quickly with cooling temperatures and steady precipitation levels. If you see a lawn that’s lush, thick, and deep green, it was likely established in the fall.
Many Yellowstone Landscape customers are finding that seasonal interest can be added using attractive plant containers. The containers themselves often enhance brand image in a similar fashion to the fall plantings inside them. Cold-tolerant annual species planted before the first frost adds an inspiring bit of color that lasts throughout winter.
Conclusion
The five fall lawn maintenance tasks we covered make a positive impact for property owners in the Midwest. These properties face tough winters in places like Milwaukee, South Bend, and Indianapolis. Evidence is easy to find by checking out a snowy football game on TV in those regions around late December.
But with the simple tasks we discussed performed at the right time, your landscape will be prepared to endure winter weather. And your property will produce the fruits of good fall preparation when spring comes bursting back on the scene.
Will doing only three or four of the fall maintenance tasks benefit a landscape? Well, there’s simply no substitute for comprehensive landscape maintenance. Each task affects other areas of your landscaping. Even when it isn’t obvious.
Comprehensive fall lawn maintenance is the proven way to create healthy landscapes and remarkable curb appeal. If you feel your landscape could be missing out on comprehensive care, it’s easy to find out for sure. Contact Yellowstone Landscape. Our company’s branch manager will walk your property with you and see what steps could be missing that cause landscapes to underperform.
How important is leaf clean-up or leaf removal services for Midwestern cities like Chicago, Detroit, and Cleveland?
Leaf removal is critical for Midwest commercial properties due to the region's maples, oaks, and shade trees. Without proper clean-up, leaves can harbor snow mold and kill grass underneath. Regular leaf removal maintains turf health, improves walkway safety, and prevents drain blockages before winter storms arrive.
What irrigation adjustments should Midwest commercial properties make in the fall?
By mid-September in cities like Indianapolis, Kansas City, and Minneapolis, cooler nighttime temperatures reduce water requirements for lawns and plantings. It's essential to shut down or winterize irrigation systems to prevent frozen pipes and ruptures (common and costly in Minnesota, Illinois, and Michigan during harsh winters).
What turf and plant issues are common in the Midwest?
Bluegrass, ryegrass, and fescue are susceptible to patch diseases, rust, and powdery mildew during fall temperature fluctuations. Regular aeration, proper mowing height, and disease monitoring in cities like Cleveland or St. Louis strengthen root systems and prepare lawns for spring weather challenges.
What's unique about tree and shrub care in Midwest climates?
High winds and early ice storms make fall pruning essential for removing weak limbs from shade trees like oak, birch, and ash. This can prevent storm damage to property. Fall is best for new tree installation, as cooler soil temperatures allow root establishment before spring growth.
How does fall weed control differ in the Midwest?
Warmer, wetter autumn conditions in northern Indiana, Ohio, and Iowa can trigger aggressive weed growth that becomes difficult to manage by spring. Addressing weeds in fall effectively controls invasive species and reduces pest habitat.
Do perennial beds need special attention in cities like Chicago or Fort Wayne?
Yes. Deadheading spent blooms, cutting back ornamental grasses, and mulching beds help maintain appearance throughout winter while ensuring healthy spring growth. Many Chicago property managers request summer annuals be replaced with fall varieties like mums to provide color during the gray winter months.