How to Prioritize Lawn Maintenance

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.