Autumn Inspection Report

Why this inspection matters — Autumn (Mar–May)

Autumn is the preparation season — the work done now determines how well the site handles winter and how quickly it recovers in spring. Growth slows but doesn't stop, making it the ideal window for planting, renovation, mulch replenishment and structural tree work before the wet winter months.

Focus areas this season:

Leaf management — paths, drains, pits and playground need frequent clearing to prevent slip hazards and blockages
Autumn fertiliser — the last feed before winter dormancy; sets the plant up for spring recovery
Garden bed replanting — autumn is the best planting season; new stock establishes through cool months
Structural tree pruning — as canopy thins you can see the structure; ideal time for formative work
Mulch replenishment — top up to 100mm before winter rain; retains warmth, suppresses weeds, reduces erosion
Drainage — clear all pits, grates and inlets before the wet season

Turf Condition

Coverage and health

Leaf litter cleared from turf, paths, drains and pits

Wet leaves on paths = slip hazard; blocked pits = flooding

Autumn fertiliser applied or scheduled

Critical feed before dormancy; slow-release balanced NPK

Compaction areas identified and cored before winter

Autumn coring followed by top dressing accelerates spring recovery

Mow height reduced back toward 25–35mm as temperatures cool

Winter weeds starting to emerge — identify and treat

Poa annua and broadleaf species germinate as soil cools

Turf coverage documented with photos for spring comparison

Annual photo record helps identify year-on-year decline trends

Turf notes

Garden Beds

Condition

Deciduous plants losing leaves normally — no disease signs

Yellowing before autumn colour change = investigate

New autumn plantings completed or booked

Autumn is prime planting time — cool roots, warm soil

Mulch replenished to 100mm across all beds

Do before first heavy rain — prevents erosion and keeps soil warm

Bed edges re-cut to hold mulch through wet winter months

Structural pruning of shrubs completed where applicable

Plant losses from summer recorded and replacements organised

Garden bed notes

Irrigation

Run times reduced to reflect reduced plant demand in autumn

Overwatering in autumn promotes disease and root issues

System ready for potential winter shutdown or minimum setting

All pits, grates and drainage inlets within landscape cleared

Pre-winter drainage clearance prevents flooding

No persistent wet areas — subsoil drainage functioning

All heads at correct height — none sunk below grade

Spring commissioning date noted for upcoming season

Irrigation faults found

Trees, Hard Surfaces and Structures

Structural tree pruning completed or arborist booked for winter

Best visibility of structure as leaves thin — plan now

Deadwood and crossing branches removed

Clearances confirmed — 3m above paths, lights and buildings

Drains and pits clear of leaf build-up

Hard surfaces blown clean — wet leaf litter is a slip hazard

Rock batters inspected for summer erosion or movement

Trees and structures notes