🌿 Part 1 — November Lawn & Landscape Guide: Last-Chance Planting, Winter Prep & Easy Hardscape Wins

November in Staten Island and the NYC/NJ area is all about buttoning up the yard for winter—without losing momentum on projects. Cooler temps, steady moisture, and softer sun make it a great month to plant hardy trees/shrubs, finish small hardscape installs, and prep for ice and snow. Here’s your quick, professional checklist from Fanelli Landscape Supply—Staten Island’s premier Cambridge Pavingstones dealer.

1) Yes, You Can Still Plant (Smartly)

Late fall planting sets roots without heat stress. Focus on hardy evergreens and deciduous trees/shrubs that transplant well in cool soil.

Great November picks:

• Emerald Green Arborvitae

• Green Giant Arborvitae

• Sky Pencil Holly

• Hinoki Cypress

• Kousa Dogwood

• Red or Swamp White Oak

• Forest Pansy Redbud

• Wintergem Boxwood

• Steeds Holly

• Euonymus varieties

Pro tips:

• Use compost/topsoil blend in backfill (not pure compost).

• Water deeply at planting, then mulch 2–3" to lock in moisture.

• Stake new trees in windy sites; remove stakes next season.

Grab it at FLS: bagged & bulk topsoil, compost, mulch, planting tools, and tree staking kits.

2) Protect Your Evergreens Before the Wind & Salt

Cold wind + winter sun = desiccation. Give broadleaf and narrowleaf evergreens a head start.

• Hydrate now: Water evergreens during dry spells until the ground freezes.

• Mulch rings: 2–3" deep, pulled back from trunks.

• Burlap wind barriers: Especially near driveways/streets (salt spray!).

• Antidesiccant sprays: Helpful on boxwood, holly, and arborvitae.

3) Leaf Strategy: Free Mulch, Better Soil

Skipping one last cleanup can smother turf; doing it right improves soil.

• Mulch-mow a light layer of leaves into the lawn for organic matter.

• Shred & redistribute into beds as a fine, clean mulch.

• Add decorative gravel in high-traffic or splash zones to keep beds tidy through winter.

At FLS: Black or Red mulch (bulk), Delaware River Rock, Goose Egg, Barn Red, edging, and fabric.

4) Lawn: Dormant Seed or Wait?

Soil temps drop fast in November. If you missed fall seeding, consider dormant seeding (late Nov–Dec): spread quality seed after consistent cold arrives so seed won’t germinate until spring.

• Use premium mixes like Jonathan Green Black Beauty®.

• Lightly rake in; do not fertilize now.

• Mark areas so you don’t disturb them during winter.

Psst: Ask us about Early Buy deals on seed and fertilizer—stock up now, save later.

5) Last-Minute Hardscape Wins

Dry days and unfrozen ground = perfect for compact projects:

• Fire pits & seating pads: Weekend installs with Cambridge Pavingstones kits.

• Walkway refresh: Replace heaved pavers, add polymeric sand, fix edges.

• Gravel landings: Fast, clean entries around sheds/trash areas.

Materials checklist:

• Cambridge Ledgestone 3-pc / Smooth

• 3/4" Quarry Process (Q/P) base

• Concrete sand

• Polymeric sand

• Edge restraint & spikes

Stop by FLS—we stock all Cambridge styles, sizes, and colors plus the base materials to do it right.

6) Snow & Ice Readiness

Don’t wait for the first freeze to scramble for supplies.

• Ice melt: Choose blends safe for your surfaces and pets.

• Tools: Snow shovels, pushers, spreaders, driveway markers.

• De-icer placement: Keep a sealed bucket by each entry.

Contractors & HOAs: Ask about pallet pricing and pay-today-pick-up-later options.

7) Beds, Bulbs & Borders

• Cut back perennials with mushy foliage.

• Leave ornamental grasses for winter texture.

• Plant spring bulbs before freeze (tulips, daffodils, alliums).

• Top up mulch to stabilize soil temps.

• Add stone borders for crisp winter definition.

8) Tools, Mowers & Hoses: Winterize Now

• Add fuel stabilizer and change oil on mowers.

• Blow out irrigation lines; store hoses indoors.

• Clean & oil hand tools so they’re spring-ready.