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Why Fall Is the Best Time to Plan Your Landscaping Projects

by Brent Price - Posted 1 month ago


When the leaves begin to turn in St. Louis County, most homeowners start thinking about raking, winterizing, and winding down yardwork. But what if fall was actually the start of your best outdoor season yet?

At Sandy Creek Landscaping, we believe the secret to a successful spring and summer landscape lies in what you do right now. Fall is the smartest time to plan and design outdoor projects—and savvy homeowners in Oakville, Ballwin, Kirkwood, and beyond are already taking advantage of the season.

Here’s why:


1. Get Ahead of the Spring Rush

Spring is often the busiest time for landscaping companies. By early March, our schedule fills up fast with bookings for patios, retaining walls, sod installs, and drainage work. Homeowners who plan in the fall are already on the calendar and get first pick of project timing—before the waitlists hit.

Planning in fall = execution early in spring.
Why spend weeks waiting in the heat when you could be relaxing on your new patio?


2. Cooler Weather = Better Decisions

Let’s face it: decision-making in July heat isn’t fun. Fall gives you time to walk your property, discuss options with our team, and think through layout ideas without the pressure of summer stress.

With fewer distractions, fall consultations are often more thorough, intentional, and collaborative. Whether you’re considering new plantings, drainage solutions, or a complete backyard renovation, cooler weather gives you the breathing room to do it right.


3. Easier Scheduling, Better Budgeting

Fall planning means fewer surprises.

By locking in your project design and estimate before winter, you can set realistic budgets and take advantage of current pricing before potential spring increases. It also gives you time to review financing or phase work over multiple seasons if needed.

Many of our clients use this time to:

  • Schedule multi-stage renovations

  • Prepare for pool additions next year

  • Address long-standing erosion or drainage issues

  • Reserve premium materials before demand surges


4. Prep Work Now Saves Time Later

One of the biggest advantages of fall planning? We can begin site prep before winter fully hits.

  • Grading, clearing, and soil testing can be done now

  • Drainage trenches can be dug and stabilized

  • Design work and permitting (where needed) can begin

That means when the ground thaws in spring, we’re ready to break ground—not break out the clipboard again.


5. Fall is Ideal for Plantings and Lawn Establishment

Many homeowners assume spring is best for new plants and grass—but in Missouri, fall often beats spring for cool-season turf, trees, and perennials.

Why?

  • The soil is still warm from summer

  • Rainfall increases, promoting root growth

  • Weeds are dying off, reducing competition

  • Plants go dormant with time to establish roots underground

Bonus Tip: Planning hardscaping in fall means your soil will be stabilized and ready for spring planting once the structure is in place.


6. Fix What Didn’t Work This Year

Did your lawn burn out?
Was your mulch washed away again?
Did your patio flood—again—after summer storms?

Don’t wait until next year to “hope” it improves. Fall is the ideal time to evaluate what failed and implement smart fixes like:

  • Better landscape drainage

  • Retaining wall installation

  • Slope regrading

  • Dry creek beds or French drains

  • Native plant replacements

You can even schedule a walk-through with our team to troubleshoot problem zones before winter.


7. Be the First to Enjoy Next Year’s Upgrades

Perhaps the best reason of all? Planning your project in the fall means you’re done before most neighbors even get started.

Imagine:

  • Hosting your first spring barbecue on a brand-new patio

  • Enjoying a lush, green lawn before the summer heat

  • Showing off your upgraded flower beds during early bloom season

Smart planning now = bragging rights later.


Start Your Dream Landscape Now

Sandy Creek Landscaping serves homeowners across St. Louis County, including Oakville, Ballwin, Kirkwood, Mehlville, Affton, Manchester, and Lemay.

From outdoor kitchens to native plantings, we offer full-service landscape design, installation, and seasonal care—and we’re currently scheduling fall consultations.

📍 Visit us at: 195 Richarz Dr, Fenton, MO
📞 Call today: (314) 698-1228
🌐 Start planning: saintlouislandscaping.com