Fall into Action: Essential Landscape Calendar Tips for Every Region Pruning Trees & Shrubs Autumn’s arrival signals a pivotal time for your landscape, an opportunity to bolster tree and shrub health, invigorate lawns, and get everything winter-ready. Yet depending on your region’s hardiness zone, the approach may differ. Whether you're in a Cool zone, embracing crisp early frosts, a Warm zone where autumn lingers, or a Hot zone where warmth prevails well into fall, we've created a streamlined, zone‑specific calendar to guide you. Fall Landscape Checklist for Cool Regions September Prune dead or damaged branches. Inspect for diseases and pests. Trim overgrown shrubs. Apply balanced fertilizer. Aerate and overseed. Apply fall fertilizer. October Continue deep watering. Mulch around trees and shrubs. Remove diseased or dead wood. Apply deer repellent. Rake fallen leaves. Apply winterizer fertilizer and soil amendments such as lime or sulfur. November Wrap young trees for winter. Finish pruning dead branches. Apply antidesiccants. Water well before the first freeze. Protect with burlap or windbreaks. Perform final mowing. Clear remaining leaves and debris such as lime or sulfur. December Inspect for broken branches after snowfalls. Brush off snow accumulation. Check protective coverings. Prune dormant shrubs. Water during mild spells. Monitor for winter pests and diseases. Fall Landscape Checklist for Warm Regions September Prune dead branches. Inspect for pests. Trim overgrown shrubs. Apply balanced fertilizer. Aerate the lawn. Apply fall fertilizer. October Continue deep watering. Mulch around trees. Mulch around shrubs. Remove diseased or dead wood. Rake fallen leaves. Apply winterizer fertilizer. November Wrap young trees for winter. Finish pruning dead branches. Water well before the first freeze. Protect sensitive shrubs with burlap or windbreaks. Good time to perform soil amendments, such as lime and sulfur. Clear remaining leaves and debris. December Inspect for broken branches after winter storms. Check protective coverings. Prune dormant shrubs. Water during mild spells. Monitor for winter pests. Fall Landscape Checklist for Hot Regions September Prune dead branches. Inspect for pests. Continue to water trees and plants suffering from drought stress. Trim overgrown shrubs. Treat trees and plants for late-season insects and mites. Aerate. Apply fall fertilizer. Inspect for pests and diseases. October Continue deep watering. Mulch around trees. Mulch around shrubs. Remove diseased or dead wood. Rake fallen leaves. Apply winterizer fertilizer to warm-season grasses. November Finish pruning dead branches. Inspect for winter damage. Water well. Apply balanced fertilizer. Treat winter annual weeds as needed. Fertilize lawns if overseeded with winter ryegrass. December Inspect for broken branches. Brush off snow accumulation. Prune dormant shrubs. Monitor for winter pests/diseases. Treat winter annual weeds as needed. As fall progresses, taking proactive steps now sets the stage for a vibrant, healthy landscape come spring. Whether you're dealing with early frosts in a Cool zone, lingering warmth in a Warm zone, or extended growing seasons in a Hot zone, consistent care and timely actions make all the difference. Use this seasonal checklist as your guide, and remember, SavATree’s team of experts is always here to support your landscape goals with science-based, environmentally responsible solutions. Let’s cultivate healthier trees, stronger lawns, and more resilient outdoor spaces together. Schedule a consultation today. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an expert arborist.