Tips for Maintaining Walkways, Patios, and Outdoor Features Before Winter

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?