Fall Is the Best Time to See What Your Landscape Is Missing

By October, the garden begins to tell a different story.

Summer growth starts to slow, leaves begin to change, and areas that may have been hidden by full foliage become easier to see. That makes fall one of the best times to take a fresh look at your landscape and identify what may be missing.

Walk around your property and look at it with new eyes. Are there bare spaces that could use a shrub or small tree? Does one area feel flat or lacking in color? Are there spots where summer plants faded early or never performed the way you hoped?

Fall is a great time to make those improvements.

Cooler temperatures reduce stress on newly planted trees, shrubs and perennials, while the soil is still warm enough for roots to continue developing. Plants can begin establishing themselves now, giving them a valuable head start before next spring.

It is also a good time to think beyond flowers. Evergreens can provide structure and screening throughout the year. Shrubs with colorful foliage, berries or interesting branches can extend the season. Ornamental grasses and perennials can add texture and movement well after summer blooms have faded.

Get Ahead of Spring

Making improvements now can also make next spring easier.

Instead of waiting until April or May to decide what needs attention, you can fill important gaps this fall and allow those plants to begin settling into the landscape. When spring 2027 arrives, much of the work may already be underway.

October can also be an excellent time to find seasonal values on plants and landscape materials. If you already know an area needs improvement, fall may offer an opportunity to make that change while also saving money.

The team at Redwood Nursery can help you evaluate your options and choose plants that fit your space, light conditions and landscape goals.

Take a walk through your yard this week. You may be surprised by how clearly fall reveals what your landscape needs next.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is October too late to plant trees and shrubs?

In many cases, no. Fall can be an excellent planting season because cooler air temperatures reduce plant stress while the soil often remains warm enough for continued root growth.

What should I look for when walking around my landscape?

Look for empty spaces, weak-performing areas, a lack of privacy, missing seasonal color, or places that could benefit from more structure.

What kinds of plants are good for filling landscape gaps?

Trees, shrubs, evergreens, ornamental grasses and perennials can all play a role depending on the size of the space, sunlight and the effect you want to create.

Why plant in fall instead of waiting until spring?

Fall planting allows many plants to begin establishing roots before winter, giving them a head start when growth resumes in spring.

Can Redwood Nursery help me decide what to plant?

Yes. Bring photos or measurements of the area you would like to improve, and the Redwood team can help you explore plants and solutions that fit your landscape.