Fall Landscaping Tasks Every Montana Homeowner Should Do

As the leaves turn and temperatures begin to dip in Montana, your landscaping needs shift with the season. Fall is one of the most important times to prep your lawn and garden—not just for beauty now, but to ensure a healthy, vibrant yard come spring. At Horizon Landscape & Irrigation, we help Billings-area homeowners take advantage of autumn’s mild weather to get ahead of the curve before winter sets in.

1. Aerate and Fertilize Your Lawn
Montana’s soil can become compacted after a busy summer. Fall is the perfect time to aerate your lawn to loosen the soil and allow air, water, and nutrients to reach grassroots. Follow this with a slow-release fertilizer high in potassium to strengthen roots and prepare for winter dormancy. This one-two punch is your best bet for a lush spring lawn.

2. Clean Up Leaves and Debris
While a few fallen leaves won’t hurt, thick layers can smother your grass, promote mold, and invite pests. Rake leaves regularly or use a mulching mower to break them down and return nutrients to the soil. Also, remove dead plant material from garden beds and around trees to reduce disease risk and maintain curb appeal.

3. Cut Back and Divide Perennials
Once your perennials go dormant, it’s a great time to cut them back and divide overgrown clumps. This not only prevents overcrowding but also encourages better blooms next year. Hostas, daylilies, and coneflowers are common Montana perennials that benefit from fall dividing.

4. Winterize Your Irrigation System
Before the first hard freeze, it’s crucial to blow out your sprinkler system to prevent water from freezing in the pipes and causing costly damage. Horizon Landscape & Irrigation offers professional winterization services in Billings and surrounding areas—don’t wait until it’s too late.

5. Plant Fall Bulbs and Cold-Hardy Trees
Montana’s fall weather is ideal for planting spring-blooming bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and crocus. It’s also a great time to plant cold-hardy shrubs and trees, such as junipers or aspen, while the soil is still warm enough for root growth. Just be sure to water well and mulch after planting.

6. Refresh Mulch and Edge Beds
A fresh layer of mulch helps insulate roots, suppress weeds, and retain soil moisture through the winter. Aim for 2–3 inches around trees and in garden beds, being careful not to pile it against stems or trunks. Clean up bed edges now, and you’ll thank yourself come spring.

7. Protect Young Plants and Trees
Montana winters can be tough on newly planted trees and shrubs. Use burlap wraps, tree guards, or protective fencing to shield them from drying winds, hungry wildlife, and heavy snow. This is especially important for evergreens and fruit trees vulnerable to winter burn or deer damage.

8. Prep Garden Tools and Storage
As you finish up fall chores, clean and sharpen your garden tools to prevent rust and make spring work easier. Drain and store hoses, empty flower pots, and clean out the garden shed or garage so everything is ready when the snow melts.

Don’t Wait—Winter Comes Fast in Montana
Fall is short in Big Sky Country, and early freezes can catch even seasoned homeowners off guard. By tackling these landscaping tasks in September and October, you’ll help your yard weather the winter and emerge healthier in spring.

Need help prepping your property this fall? Horizon Landscape & Irrigation is here to assist with irrigation blowouts, perennial care, planting, and more. Visit https://horizonlandscapemt.com to schedule your fall landscaping services before the frost sets in.