Spadefoot Ecosystem Solutions Reminds Residents That Fall Is a Critical Season for Native Gardens

As temperatures cool and the growing season winds down, Spadefoot Ecosystem Solutions, an ecological restoration company, is reminding Long Island homeowners that the work in a native garden is far from over. Fall is one of the most productive times of year to plant, and one of the most effective times to remove invasive species. Taking action now sets the stage for a healthier, more resilient landscape next spring.

“A lot of people put their gardens to bed once Labor Day passes, but fall is when some of the most important work happens,” said Frank Piccininni, President and CEO of Spadefoot Ecosystem Solutions. “The soil is still warm, the air is cool, and plants put their energy into building roots instead of leaves. At the same time, invasive plants practically announce themselves this time of year. If you want a stronger native landscape next spring, the decisions you make in October matter just as much as the ones you make in May.”

Residents are encouraged to visit local nurseries now, as many are selling off the last of their native stock for the year. Inventory that sells out this fall often will not be available again until late spring. Fall-planted natives benefit from cooler temperatures, reduced watering needs, and autumn rainfall, allowing them to establish deep root systems over the winter and emerge ready to thrive when the growing season returns.

While potted chrysanthemums are a familiar sight on Long Island porches each fall, Spadefoot encourages homeowners to choose native perennials instead. Mums are often treated as seasonal decorations and discarded once they fade, and they offer little value to local wildlife. Native keystone perennials such as Asters and Goldenrods deliver the same rich colors, but unlike mums, they return year after year and provide essential late-season nectar for bees, butterflies, and migrating monarchs. Grasses like Little Bluestem is also an option that lasts well into winter. Keystone native plants like Asters, Goldenrod, and Little Bluestem grass offer the most ecological value per plant, supporting hundreds of species of birds, mammals, insects and other wildlife. Homeowners can have the fall colors they love, along with a garden that keeps working to protect the environment long after the season ends.

Fall is also the ideal time to tackle invasive plants. Many invasive species leaf out earlier in spring and hold onto their leaves later into fall than our native plants. As natives turn color and go dormant, invasives stand out as the remaining green in the landscape, making them easier to identify and remove. Removing them now, before they drop berries and seeds, also prevents birds and wildlife from spreading them further across Long Island.

Spadefoot recommends watching for the following common invasive plants this fall:

● Japanese Barberry

● Burning Bush

● Multiflora Rose

● Bush Honeysuckles

● Oriental Bittersweet

● Porcelain Berry

● Garlic Mustard

● Mugwort

Spadefoot also recommends the following fall maintenance practices for native gardens:

● Plant natives early enough for roots to establish before the ground freezes

● Water new plantings regularly until the first hard frost

● Leave the leaves in garden beds to insulate soil and shelter overwintering insects

● Leave seed heads and stalks standing on flowers and grasses to feed birds and provide shelter for solitary bees through the winter

Spadefoot’s crews remain in the field throughout the fall, helping homeowners remove invasive species, install native plantings, and prepare their landscapes for winter. Whether you need help identifying invasives on your property or want guidance on which natives to plant before the season ends, the Spadefoot team is available to assist. To schedule a consultation, visit www.spadefoot.eco.

About Spadefoot Ecosystem Solutions

Spadefoot Ecosystem Solutions is an ecological restoration and land management company dedicated to restoring the natural function of landscapes. The company specializes in stormwater infiltration, water quality improvement, invasive species management, and the establishment of resilient native plant communities. Using principles rooted in soil science, hydrology, and field ecology, Spadefoot designs and implements sustainable systems that restore ecosystem function, improve soil health, enhance biodiversity, and create landscapes that become more resilient over time.

By focusing on long-term ecological performance rather than traditional landscaping, Spadefoot helps property owners protect natural resources, increase property value, and build landscapes that thrive without reliance on chemical inputs. For more information, visit www.spadefoot.eco.