As Central Florida heads into the cooler months, your landscape doesn’t go to sleep the way it does up north—but it does change. Temperatures drop, days get shorter, and your lawn and plants shift into a slower growth phase. This is the perfect time to give your yard what it needs to stay healthy, attractive, and ready to bounce back strong in spring. Here’s how to tell if your landscape is truly ready for Central Florida’s cooler season. Check the Health of Your Lawn Your lawn has just made it through months of heat, humidity, and heavy rain. Before cooler weather settles in, take a close look at how it’s doing. Ask yourself: Are there thin, bare, or yellowing patches? Do you see signs of fungus or weeds taking over? Is the lawn uneven from summer growth and storm damage? Now is a great time to: Do a final round of weed control before winter Adjust mowing height so grass isn’t cut too short going into cooler weather Make sure your lawn is getting consistent, but not excessive, water A healthy lawn heading into winter is much easier to revive in spring than one that’s been stressed and neglected. Evaluate Your Irrigation Schedule Cooler months mean your landscape doesn’t need as much water as it does in summer—but many systems are still set to “July mode.” Signs your irrigation needs adjusting: Mushy or soggy areas in the yard Fungal spots on the lawn Standing water after a normal run cycle What to do: Reduce watering frequency and run times Water in the early morning, not the evening Check for leaks, broken heads, or misdirected spray Fine-tuning your irrigation now helps prevent disease, saves water, and keeps your plants healthier all winter. Inspect Trees and Shrubs Storm season, strong winds, and fast summer growth can leave trees and shrubs stressed or overgrown. Walk your property and look for: Dead or damaged branches Limbs hanging over roofs, driveways, or walkways Shrubs that are blocking windows, entries, or sightlines Light shaping and removal of dead or dangerous branches in the cooler months can improve safety and appearance. Save heavy pruning of many tropical plants for late winter or early spring, when the risk of cold damage is lower. Refresh Mulch and Planting Beds Mulch does more than just make beds look neat—it helps regulate soil temperature and moisture, which is especially helpful during temperature swings. For cooler months: Top off mulch to a 2–3 inch layer Keep mulch pulled back a few inches from trunks and stems Remove weeds and debris before adding new mulch Clean, well-mulched beds help protect roots, reduce weeds, and give your landscape a polished, maintained look all season long. Add Cool-Season Color Just because it’s cooler doesn’t mean your landscape has to look dull. Central Florida’s mild winters give you plenty of options for seasonal color. Great cool-season choices include: Petunias Snapdragons Dianthus Pansies and violas Planted in key areas—entryways, mailbox beds, and along walkways—these annuals can brighten your landscape through the cooler months and into spring. Plan Ahead for Potential Cold Snaps While Central Florida doesn’t see long freezes often, short cold snaps do happen. Be prepared by: Knowing which plants are most cold-sensitive in your yard Having frost cloth or covers on hand (not plastic) Planning where you’ll move container plants if needed A little planning now can prevent losing favorite plants to one unexpected chilly night. Let a Professional Get Your Landscape Cooler-Weather Ready If you’re not sure where to start—or you’d rather not spend your weekends tackling yard projects—Kennedy Landscaping can help you prepare your property for Central Florida’s cooler season. We can: Assess the overall health of your lawn and plants Adjust your maintenance plan for fall and winter conditions Refresh beds, mulch, and seasonal color Make sure your landscape is safe, tidy, and ready for the months ahead Is your landscape ready for cooler weather?

November in Central Florida kicks off the holiday season—family visits, out-of-town guests, and more time spent outdoors enjoying our mild weather. While homeowners up north are packing up their patios, this is when your yard becomes an extension of your entertaining space. If you’re planning to host for Thanksgiving or the holidays, now is the perfect time to give your landscape a quick refresh. Here’s how to boost your curb appeal and get your yard guest-ready, the Florida-friendly way. Freshen Up Your Front Entry Your front entry is the first impression guests get of your home. Simple upgrades that make a big impact: Edge and clean up planting beds so lines look crisp and intentional Add fresh mulch to instantly brighten and unify the space Replace tired or leggy plants near the front door with healthy, colorful options Add a pair of matching containers or planters to frame the entry In Central Florida, you can still plant cool-season annuals like petunias, snapdragons, and dianthus for pops of color that will last through the cooler months. Give Your Lawn a Pre-Holiday Tune-Up A neat, healthy lawn sets the tone for the rest of your landscape. Before guests arrive: Schedule a clean, even mow and edging along driveways and walkways Address any bare or thinning spots so they don’t stand out in photos or to visitors Remove leaves, branches, and debris left from storms or windy days November is also a good time to review your irrigation schedule. With cooler temperatures, your lawn needs less water—but it still needs consistent moisture to stay green and inviting. Add Seasonal Color the Florida Way Holiday color in Florida doesn’t have to mean traditional northern plants that struggle in our climate. Great options for November: Cool-season annuals in reds, whites, and purples to echo holiday colors Flowering shrubs that provide long-lasting color and structure Ornamental grasses that add texture and movement in the breeze Strategically placed color near the front walk, mailbox, and entry makes your home feel warm and welcoming without a full landscape overhaul. Light Up Walkways and Outdoor Spaces With shorter days, lighting becomes a big part of both safety and ambiance. Consider: Path lights along walkways and driveways so guests can see clearly after dark Soft accent lighting on trees, palms, or architectural features Checking existing fixtures for burned-out bulbs or damage If you plan to add holiday lighting, it’s smart to think about how it will work with your existing landscape lighting so everything feels cohesive instead of cluttered. Tidy Up Outdoor Living Areas In Florida, outdoor spaces are often where guests gather during the holidays. Quick wins: Clear clutter from patios, porches, and pool decks Trim back overgrown plants that crowd seating areas or walkways Make sure views from main windows look out onto neat, attractive beds and lawn Even small updates—like a cleaned-up hedge line or refreshed planters—can make your outdoor areas feel more polished and intentional. Schedule Professional Help Before the Rush The weeks leading up to Thanksgiving and December holidays get busy fast. If you know you’ll want your yard looking its best, it’s smart to get on the schedule early. Kennedy Landscaping can help with: Cleanups and bed refreshes Mulch installation and edging Seasonal color installations Ongoing lawn and landscape maintenance A little planning in November goes a long way toward creating a welcoming, beautiful outdoor space your guests will love. Ready to get your yard holiday-ready? If you’re hosting this season—or just want to enjoy a polished, inviting landscape—Kennedy Landscaping can create a Florida-friendly curb appeal plan tailored to your home. Contact Kennedy Landscaping today to schedule your landscape service and welcome your guests with a yard that looks as good as your celebration feels.

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