Planning Fall Landscaping in Chicagoland? Schedule Your Project Now

Now is the time to plant and SAVE!

 50% OFF ALL TREES

 30% OFF ALL SHRUBS

Fall is a fantastic time to get your landscape planted and ready for next season. Whether you’re adding a new tree, filling in your beds, or starting a whole new project, we’ve got the plants & the savings.

If you are thinking about improving your landscape this fall, now is the time to start planning. Fall is one of the best seasons for landscape installation in Chicagoland, particularly for projects involving trees, shrubs and other hardy plant material. It is also a popular time for homeowners and property managers to complete outdoor projects before winter. Waiting until fall to contact a landscaping company, however, can mean competing for limited space on the installation schedule. At Perricone Bros. Landscaping, we recommend planning fall projects in advance so there is time to evaluate the property, develop the landscape plan, select materials and schedule installation during the appropriate fall window. We have a full landscaping crew of experts and over 25 acres of plants in our nursery in Volo from which to choose Visit Perricone Garden Center to see our plant inventory, or view our online plant inventory.

Why Schedule Fall Landscaping Before Fall Arrives?

A professionally installed landscape involves more than showing up with plants. Depending on the scope of the project, preparation may include:

• Evaluating the existing property

• Discussing landscape goals and priorities

• Developing or refining a landscape design

• Selecting trees, shrubs and other plant material

• Choosing brick, natural stone or hardscape materials

• Addressing grading or drainage concerns

• Coordinating material availability

• Scheduling crews and equipment

Starting early gives you time to make good decisions rather than rushing because winter is approaching. It also gives your landscaper more flexibility to schedule installation when weather and planting conditions are favorable.

Fall Is an Excellent Planting Season in Northern Illinois

One of the biggest reasons to schedule a fall landscape project is the planting environment.

Chicagoland's cooler fall temperatures reduce heat stress on newly installed plants. At the same time, soil retains warmth from summer, allowing roots to continue developing as above-ground growth begins to slow. This combination can be particularly beneficial for many trees and shrubs. Plants installed in fall have an opportunity to begin establishing their root systems before winter dormancy and resume growth as conditions improve in spring.

Fall Landscaping Is About More Than Planting

Fall is also a good time to tackle landscape improvements that were easy to postpone during summer. Take a walk around your property and look for areas that are not functioning or looking the way you want. Perhaps an overgrown foundation planting needs to be redesigned. Maybe a patio or walkway needs attention. Drainage problems may have become obvious after summer storms. Trees and shrubs may have outgrown their locations.

A fall landscape project might include:

Landscape Design and Installation

A new landscape design can improve curb appeal while creating a more functional outdoor environment. Fall projects can include new landscape beds, foundation plantings, privacy screening, trees, shrubs and perennial areas.

Trees and Shrubs

Trees and shrubs provide the framework of a landscape. Depending on the property, they can add shade, privacy, seasonal interest, structure and screening. Selecting plants appropriate for Northern Illinois conditions helps create a landscape that performs well long after installation.

Brick and Natural Stone

Fall can also be an opportunity to complete hardscape improvements, including walkways, patios, edging and other brick or natural stone features. Combining hardscape and planting work within a coordinated landscape plan can create a more cohesive finished property.

Grading and Drainage Improvements

Standing water, poor drainage and improper grading can damage lawns and landscapes and make portions of a property difficult to use. If you noticed drainage problems during spring and summer storms, fall may be a good time to address the underlying landscape conditions rather than waiting for the problem to return next year.

Consider How Your Landscape Looks in Every Season

Good landscape design should not look attractive for only a few weeks each year.

A well-planned Northern Illinois landscape can incorporate plants that provide interest throughout spring, summer, fall and even winter.

That might include:

• Spring flowering plants

• Summer perennials

• Evergreen structure

• Ornamental grasses

• Trees and shrubs with fall color

• Plants with interesting winter branching, bark or form

Planning with all four seasons in mind creates a landscape that continues to contribute to the appearance of the property throughout the year.

Don't Wait Until October to Start Planning an October Project

This is perhaps the most important fall landscaping tip. If you know you want work completed this fall, contact your landscaper before fall is fully underway. Landscape companies have finite crews, equipment and installation days. Weather can also affect scheduling as the season progresses. Starting the conversation now provides more time for design, estimates, plant and material selection, and scheduling. It also helps avoid making rushed decisions simply because the planting season is getting shorter.

Fall Landscaping for Commercial Properties and HOAs

Fall planning is equally important for commercial properties, office complexes, apartment communities and homeowners associations.

Property managers can use the season to address:

• Aging or overgrown landscaping

• Entry and signage areas

• Foundation plantings

• Privacy and screening

• Drainage and grading

• Damaged turf areas

• Trees and shrubs

• Brick and natural stone features

Completing improvements in fall can also prepare commercial properties for a stronger appearance when spring growth begins.

Plan Your Fall Landscape Project with Perricone Bros.

Perricone Bros. Landscaping has served residential and commercial properties throughout Chicagoland for more than 35 years. Our landscape services include design and installation, construction and grading, lawn care, brick and natural stone work and seasonal property improvements. If a landscape project has been sitting on your wish list all summer, don't wait until the end of the planting season to get started.

Contact Perricone Bros. Landscaping now to discuss your fall project and reserve space on the installation schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fall Landscaping

Is fall a good time for landscaping in Illinois?

Yes. Cooler temperatures and warm soil make fall particularly suitable for many landscape installation and planting projects in Northern Illinois.

When should I schedule a fall landscaping project?

It is best to contact your landscaper before the fall rush. Projects requiring design work, material selection or substantial installation should be planned well before the desired installation date.

What landscaping projects can be completed in fall?

Depending on weather and site conditions, fall projects can include landscape design and installation, tree and shrub planting, bed renovations, grading and drainage improvements, and brick or natural stone work.

Is fall a good time to plant trees and shrubs?

Yes. Many trees and shrubs benefit from fall planting because cooler air temperatures reduce stress while the soil remains warm enough for root development.

Does Perricone Bros. handle both residential and commercial landscaping?

Yes. Perricone Bros. Landscaping provides landscape services for residential properties as well as commercial properties, HOAs, apartment communities and other managed properties.