November is often the “quiet” month …leaves are falling, the days feel shorter, and most homeowners assume the outdoor season has officially ended. But from a horticultural standpoint, November is one of the most important months of the year. The work you do now determines how well your property weathers winter and how beautifully it rebounds next spring. Here are five tasks to consider before the cold sets in.
1. Give Your Lawn Its Final Finishing Touch
Your last mow of the season affects your lawn’s health all winter long.
- Keeping turf slightly shorter helps prevent matting under heavy leaves or snow.
- A clean final cut also reduces the risk of winter fungal issues.
Planted Earth’s crews mow at the optimal late-season height to prepare lawns for a healthy spring comeback.
2. Complete Your Final Leaf Removal
Leaves left to decompose on turf can smother grass and trap moisture.
A thorough late-fall cleanup:
- Protects your lawn from disease
- Keeps walkways safe
- Prevents drainage blockages
If your property has larger canopy trees, multiple rounds of leaf cleanup are often needed through late November.
3. Add a Fresh Layer of Mulch
A light top-dress of mulch is one of the best ways to protect plants during winter.
It helps:
- Regulate soil temperatures
- Preserve moisture
- Prevent freeze–thaw damage
This simple November step leads to healthier shrubs, perennials, and especially newly installed plantings.
4. Winterize Your Irrigation System
An irrigation system left running—or not properly blown out—can result in cracked pipes, broken valves, and costly repairs.
Before freezing temperatures arrive:
- Shut down the system
- Drain and blow out lines
- Disconnect smart controllers or adjust seasonal settings
5. Inspect—and Refresh—Outdoor Lighting
With earlier sunsets, November becomes outdoor lighting season.
It’s the perfect time to:
- Replace bulbs
- Check wiring and fixtures
- Swap to warm, inviting winter lighting
- Add pathway or entry lights for safety during longer nights
A quick lighting tune-up not only boosts curb appeal but also keeps your family safe on dark winter evenings.
Landscape care doesn’t end when the temperatures drop. In fact, November is the month that sets the stage for a successful and low-stress winter. Taking care of these essentials now ensures your outdoor spaces remain healthy, protected, and ready to thrive when spring returns.
We’re here to help prepare your landscape for the winter ahead.
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