Depending on what types of trees you have in your yard, we do have a "Fall" in Florida. Now seems to be the time when some trees shed their leaves. Proper landscaping in a Florida winter can keep your yard healthy and curb appeal higher.

It's colder and more pleasant this time of year, but our trees and grass may need more attention as well. Keeping a healthy landscape requires different tactics than what we use in the Florida heat. Here are some ideas for keeping your building landscape fresh.

Aerating grassy areas and adding fertilizer. Aerating the soil helps to improve water drainage during autumn rains, also helping water and nutrients to reach the plant roots. The strategic addition of fertilizer can also help the grass more easily survive the winter and start growing earlier in the springtime.

It's drier this time of year as well. Water restrictions may be in effect in your area. Water in the early morning or early evening to avoid evaporating during the day and your watering will be more effective.


If you have any of these trees, bald cypress, Florida maple, sweet gum, crepe myrtle, and golden rain tree and some oaks, be prepared to rake and bag leaves.

Dead branches, depending on their size, can be a nuisance or even a safety hazard during the windier and rainier seasons as well as during a hurricane. The unexpected breaking off a dead branch can also do more damage to the tree than a calculated removal, so it’s best to carefully remove all dead or in-the-way branches now before storm season.


Clean up leaves and fall debris. A blanket of colorful leaves may look pretty, but these leaves, if left alone, can rot and inhibit the health of the soil underneath them. More frequent landscaping cleanup is required.

Winter is also a good time to put down a fresh layer of mulch. It reduces water loss in the soil, controls weed growth, and protects plants from the temperature swings we see in the January and February.

While the rest of the trees are showing off, they eventually turn brown and lose their leaves. Evergreens and palms retain their beauty year-round and come in all shapes and sizes. Planting more evergreens ensures year-round vegetation and perhaps less cleanup!

Keeping your landscaping fresh during these cooler months will make it easier to maintain once the heat hits. Plus, if you're selling, you want a fresh perspective to make your home more attractive to buyers.