When the leaves start to turn in West Michigan, most of us think about bonfires, apple orchards and the first frost. But for homeowners, fall means one thing: winterizing your landscape.
At Torchwood Landscaping, one of the questions we get every September and October is:
“What do I really need to do in my yard this fall to keep everything healthy and ready for spring?”
That’s a great question. Because skipping the seasonal landscaping tasks doesn’t just leave your yard looking messy—it can cost you money come spring. Dead patches in the lawn, broken irrigation systems, damaged plants and cracked patios are all common headaches we see when properties aren’t winterized properly.
In this article we’ll cover:
- Why fall seasonal landscaping matters in West Michigan
- A full seasonal landscaping checklist for homeowners
- Tasks you can DIY vs. when to call in a pro
- Common mistakes homeowners make in fall landscaping
- How Torchwood Landscaping helps West Michigan residents prepare their yards
By the end you’ll have a clear roadmap of what needs to get done before the snow flies.
Why Fall Landscaping Preparation Matters in West Michigan
West Michigan winters are tough. Between lake-effect snow, freezing rain and weeks of frozen ground your landscape takes a beating. Taking the right steps in fall protects your investment in three ways:
- Protecting plants and turf: Lawns, trees and shrubs that go into winter stressed are less likely to survive. Proper fertilization, pruning and mulching can make the difference between a lush spring and costly replacements.
- Preventing damage: Irrigation systems, hardscapes and outdoor living areas can crack or shift if not winterized correctly.
- Saving time and money in spring: Clearing leaves, cutting back perennials and managing pests now prevents diseases and makes spring cleanup much easier.Think of it this way: your fall checklist is like tucking your yard in for a long nap. Do it right and it wakes up in the spring refreshed. Skip it and you could be staring at brown grass, dead plants or expensive repairs.
Seasonal Landscaping Checklist for Fall in West Michigan
Here’s our step-by-step checklist of fall landscaping tasks we recommend for homeowners in the greater Grand Rapids, Holland and Kalamazoo areas.
1. Lawn Care
Aerate and Overseed
- Fall is the best time to aerate your lawn in West Michigan. It loosens compacted soil so roots can breathe. Overseeding fills in bare spots and creates a thicker lawn to crowd out weeds next year.
Fall Fertilization (“Winterizer”)
- Apply a slow-release fertilizer in September or October. This helps grass store nutrients over winter so it greens up faster in spring.
Final Mowing
- Don’t stop mowing too early. Gradually lower your mower height so grass goes into winter around 2.5–3 inches tall. This reduces the risk of snow mold but still protects roots.
Leaf Removal
- Leaving thick mats of leaves smothers grass and creates mold. Mulching them with your mower is fine but remove excess piles.
2. Garden Beds and Plants
- Many perennials like hostas, daylilies and peonies should be cut back to a few inches above ground after frost. This prevents disease and keeps beds tidy.
Prune Trees and Shrubs (Selectively)
- Avoid heavy pruning but do remove dead, diseased or crossing branches. For flowering shrubs check bloom cycles—some should wait until spring.
Mulch Beds
- Add 2–3 inches of mulch around perennials and shrubs to insulate roots. Don’t pile mulch against trunks (“volcano mulching”) which can cause rot.
Plant Bulbs for Spring Color
- Fall is the time to plant tulips, daffodils, crocus and allium. West Michigan soil is perfect for bulbs that need cold winters to bloom.
3. Trees and Shrubs
- Give young trees and evergreens a deep watering before the ground freezes. This reduces winter stress.
Wrap Young Trees
- Protect young trees and shrubs by wrapping them up in burlap for the winter.
DIY or Pro?
One of the most common questions we get is:
Which of these fall tasks can I do myself, and which should I hire a pro for?
Here’s a quick guide:
Do Yourself:
- Rake/mulch leaves
- Cut back perennials
- Plant bulbs
- Mulch beds
- Store furniture
Hire a Pro:
- Irrigation blowouts (special equipment required)
- Aeration and overseeding (effective equipment and timing)
- Large tree pruning (safety risk and expertise needed)
- Hardscape sealing (requires correct product and prep)
- Pest and disease assessment (trained eye prevents bigger problems)
Common Mistakes Homeowners Make in Fall Seasonal Landscaping
We see these mistakes year after year in West Michigan:
- Mowing too short or stopping too early. Snow mold and weak lawns.
- Too much fall pruning. Winter will kill any new growth from your plants.
- Leaving leaves piled up. Mold and dead turf.
- Not blowing out irrigation. One freeze can burst pipes.
- Over-mulching trees. Volcano mulching kills roots and attracts pests.
- Planting bulbs too late. If the ground is frozen, bulbs won’t establish.
Avoid these mistakes and save time, money and frustration in the spring.
West Michigan Fall Landscaping Timeline
Here’s our rough schedule for seasonal landscaping in West Michigan:
- Early September – Aeration and overseeding, irrigation checks
- Mid–Late September – Fall fertilizer, bulb planting, selective pruning
- October – Leaf cleanup, perennial cutbacks, mulching, sealing hardscapes
- Early November (before freeze) – Irrigation blowouts, deep watering trees, gutter cleaning
- Mid–Late November – Final mow, furniture storage, property walkthrough
Weather in West Michigan can change fast so get on the schedule early.
How Torchwood Landscaping Helps West Michigan Homeowners
At Torchwood Landscaping we specialize in preparing landscapes for West Michigan winters. Whether you need help with one task—like irrigation blowouts—or want a full fall cleanup and prep package, we’ve got you covered.
Homeowners often tell us they feel overwhelmed trying to get everything done before Thanksgiving. That’s where we come in. Our fall services include:
- Lawn aeration, overseeding and fertilization
- Full leaf cleanup and disposal
- Perennial cutbacks and bed mulching
- Tree and shrub protection
- Irrigation winterization
- Hardscape cleaning and sealing
- Gutter and drainage checks
- Comprehensive “ready-for-winter” inspections
We treat your yard like our own so when spring comes you’re ahead not behind. Fall landscaping in West Michigan may not be the most fun activity compared to cider mills or football games, but it’s one of the most important. Every dollar and hour you put into fall landscaping pays off with healthier lawns, stronger plants and fewer surprises in spring.
The key is knowing what to do, when to do it and when to call in help. Now you have that roadmap.
If you’d rather spend your weekends enjoying fall in West Michigan instead of wrestling with leaves, hoses and mulch bags—Torchwood Landscaping is here to help.
Ready to schedule your fall landscaping checklist with Torchwood? Contact us today to get on the schedule before winter hits.
