Summary
This guide covers fall landscaping tips for Central Texas homeowners, including planning, yard prep, and when to bring in Austin landscaping services for professional help.
Introduction
Summer heat in Austin can leave plants, lawns, and garden beds stressed or dry.
Fall is a good time to fix all of that, whether you are planning a backyard landscaping refresh or a complete makeover. Cooler temperatures and relatively warm soil can give new plants time to establish before winter. A little time and effort now will pay off in spring. Let’s get into it!
Why Is Fall a Good Time to Landscape in Central Texas?
Fall is an excellent season to landscape in Central Texas, mainly because of the weather. Cool air and warm soil can support root growth before the next hot season. Milder days also mean plants lose less moisture and face less drought stress.
What Should You Consider Before Planning Your Fall Landscaping?
1. Define your goals
Before choosing plants, decide what you want from your yard. Common goals include:
- Deer resistant planting
- Curb appeal
- Fall color
- Privacy
- Shade
- Warmth
2. Choose the right plants
Not every plant or tree thrives in the same season. Some do best in summer, while others prefer cooler weather. Some suitable fall planting options for Central Texas include the following. The right choice for your property will depend on factors such as sunlight, soil type, drainage, and available space:
- Cedar elm
- Live oak
- Lacey oak
- Mexican sycamore
- Magnolia (D.D. Blanchard and Little Gem)
- Shumard red oak
If you want to reduce water use, consider xeriscape landscaping, which uses native, drought-tolerant plants that establish well when planted in fall. Nearly all xeriscape plants are clean and colorful greens to blues throughout the mild central Texas winters.
3. Look at your property’s conditions
Every yard is different, so check these before you plant:
- Drainage: wet spots or fast-draining areas and erosion signs
- Space: room for plants to reach full size
- Soil type: clay, rocky, sandy or combination
- Sun exposure: deep shade, partial shade, or full sun
What Fall Yard Work Should You Do?
Before adding anything new, start with the basics. Whether you’re refreshing beds or planning bigger backyard landscaping projects, these steps come first.
Test and prepare the soil
Test your soil to check its pH and nutrient levels. Based on the results, add compost to improve soil structure and replenish nutrients.
Clean up and refresh mulch
Clear away dead annuals, damaged branches, and fallen leaves. Then spread two to four inches of mulch over your beds. Mulch keeps weeds down, protects roots from temperature swings, and retains moisture.
Note: Keep mulch a few inches away from stems and trunks so they don’t rot.
Prepare for weeds and turf problems
If winter weeds such as henbit are a concern, consider a suitable pre-emergent and follow the product directions and local recommendations. Also avoid heavy fertilizer late in the season, since warm-season grasses like Bermuda and St. Augustine slow down in cooler weather.
Plan your fall planting
Fall is a good time to select shrubs and trees suited to your property’s conditions.
Adjust your watering
Plants and lawns need less water in cooler weather. As you adjust, check Austin Water’s watering rules, since they can change with conditions.
Note: Deep, occasional watering is better than frequent, shallow watering. However, watering depends on the plant, soil, rainfall, and current Austin restrictions.
Check your deck
Walk your deck and look for loose boards, popped nails, and wobbly railings. Fall is a good time to book deck contractors to inspect and address repairs before colder weather.
Should You Call Austin Landscaping Services?
Many fall landscaping tasks are manageable on your own. However, some jobs are best left to professionals, including:
- Drainage problems or grading
- Full-yard redesigns
- Retaining walls, patios, and other hardscaping
- Irrigation repair or installation (Texas requires appropriately licensed irrigation professionals for this work)
- A professional landscape contractor will consider sun exposure, slope, and soil conditions before making any suggestions. When hiring, ask: Are you insured?
- Can you provide recent local references?
- Do you have experience with native and drought-tolerant plants?
- Can I see photos of your local projects?
- Will I get an itemized, written estimate?
- What possible price revisions can I expect from the estimate to the build cost? Will there be any surprise additional costs?
Final Thoughts
Fall is an excellent season to start planning your landscape. Preparing now by clearing debris, repairing the deck, and planning your planting will give you a healthier yard in spring. If the project feels too large to handle on your own, professional landscaping services can help. Contact us to learn more about our landscaping services in Austin, Texas. We can help you plan your fall landscaping project and discuss the right approach for your property.
FAQ’s
When should I start fall landscaping in Austin?
Fall is always a good time for planting in Central Texas, but just like everything here, stay weather aware and choose a trusted and experienced professional.
How often should I water new plants in fall?
Set your irrigation to a fixed watering schedule within restrictions, water deeply and based on recent rainfall, soil moisture. As roots establish themselves, watering requirements will decrease.
How much do landscaping services cost in Austin?
The cost depends on the size and scope of the project. Your contractor can give you an itemized estimate so you understand what each part costs. Designs vary from company to company as do the design media delivered.
How do I protect plants from an early freeze?
Water the soil a day or two before the expected freeze, add mulch, and cover plants with frost cloth overnight. Remove the cover as temperatures rise during the day.
Is xeriscaping expensive?
The upfront cost varies depending on the materials selected, but xeriscape landscaping can reduce ongoing water and maintenance needs when properly designed and maintained. Typically a design installed with a river rock foundation will be higher because of the weight and labor intensive work for proper installation initially but it’s a material that never fails so it doesn’t need replacing.
