5 Tips for Transitioning Your Planters from Summer to Fall

Aug 27

It’s hard to believe that fall is right around the corner, especially when half the country is still in a heat wave. This summer has been hotter than summers past, but we hope you’ve soaked up the sun, enjoyed every bit of it, and made memories with your loved ones. We’re sad to see summer go but are also excited for fall sports, fall treats, and upcoming holiday festivities.

As summer comes to a close and fall approaches, it’s time to get the outside of your commercial property prepped for cooler, harsher weather. Whether you have a private commercial business, own a multifamily community, restaurant, or other type of commercial property, transitioning your property from summer to fall can include all sorts of things, including transitioning your planters. Continue reading for 5 tips on transitioning your plants from summer to fall so you can keep your plants healthy and protect them from the upcoming cooler weather.

5 Tips for Transitioning Your Plants from Summer to Fall

If your commercial property needs some refreshing before fall arrives, you’ve come to the right place. Below are 5 tips for transitioning your plants from summer to fall so you can get the most out of your commercial planters as the seasons change:

Clean Up Your Plants

What summer blooms did you have growing in your commercial planters? Did you enjoy bright summer plants like petunias or zinnias, or did you care for hibiscus or butterfly bushes? Whatever blooms you planted at the start of summer, a great way to transition your planters from summer to fall is to clean them up.

If your annuals are nearing the end of their days, remove them, but leave any healthy soil in place. Remove any weeds inside your planter before they seed, and remove any other plants past their summer prime. Cleaning up your plants before fall’s arrival will help get your planters ready for the cooler months ahead.

Perform Planter Maintenance

Depending on the type of commercial planter you have, it may require seasonal maintenance to transition it from summer to fall. Commercial planter materials that require maintenance include metal, wood, terracotta, fiberglass, plastic, and concrete planters. While some of these planter materials can be durable, they’re prone to fading, cracking, and warping from exposure to the elements, requiring ongoing maintenance to either replace them or reseal or repair them depending on the planter material. Perform planter maintenance to remove summer’s grime and prep for the harsh elements of fall and winter.

Adjust Your Watering Schedule

Depending on where you live, you may or may not still be experiencing a heat wave and have already adjusted your watering schedule accordingly. If not, adjust your watering schedule as we transition to fall based on the following: cooling temperatures, increased rainfall, less humidity, and less sunlight.

Just like when you adjusted your watering schedule in hot weather, you’ll want to change your watering schedule as we enter the cooler months. Divide your commercial planters into irrigation zones based on where they’re located on your commercial property and how much sun exposure they get, factoring in cooler fall weather and less daylight. However, don’t drastically cut water just because we’re entering autumn; there may still be occasional hot, dry stretches.

Select & Plant Fall Varieties

As summer displays begin to fade, select and plant fall plants to give them a fresh, seasonal appearance and extend their visual impact well into cooler weather. Opt for plants that perform well in cool fall temperatures and complement your landscape. Plants like mums, violas, and ornamental grasses are excellent fall varieties that can complement your commercial space and are hardy enough for the cooler weather. Transitioning your summer plants to fall varieties will keep your property polished and inviting, attracting passersby and positively influencing the customer experience.

Opt for a Planter that Provides Exceptional Insulation

How well do your commercial planters insulate plant roots? Choosing commercial planters with exceptional insulation is especially important as temperatures drop in the fall for several reasons: they protect plant roots from rapid temperature fluctuations, maintain more consistent soil moisture and temperatures, and provide a healthier environment for plants. Quality insulated planters help maintain more consistent soil temperatures, helping plants remain attractive and healthy for a longer-lasting commercial display throughout the cooler months.

The PolyMade Difference

Unlike concrete—and metal, wood, and fiberglass—PolyMade’s custom planters are built using flexible, lightweight materials, offering distinct advantages. Our planters have a three-layer construction for superior durability, flexible strength, and a premium customizable look. Below are some of the many benefits of building a custom-made commercial planter with PolyMade:

Completely customizable with custom shapes, sizes, and color options to complement any fall landscape
Moisture retention to help support plants during cooler, drier weather conditions
Root protection to help insulate plants
Weatherproof construction to withstand seasonal weather conditions
Excellent drainage and irrigation integration to help maintain healthy plants throughout the fall
Lightweight - nearly 75-90% less weight than concrete planters
No maintenance required
Lower lifetime cost

PolyMade’s planters are different; they weigh only 6lbs per cubic foot, with no forklift or heavy equipment required for most. Extra-large planters can include forklift channels for easy moving, allowing landscape teams to efficiently transition displays from summer to fall and prepare properties for the changing seasons.

Let’s Build Your Custom Commercial Planter Today

If you envision planters around your property and aren’t sure which material is best for your needs, consider adding PolyMade planters. They’re the most durable option, offering excellent drainage and superior root protection while adding elegance to your property. Your PolyMade planters will outlast the seasons no matter the time of year!

Our process is simple: from shaping your piece to defining your specs, choosing your colors, and finalizing customization options, we’ll work directly with you every step of the way. Our team will create the perfect lightweight planter regardless of size or design, and will assist with installation. Contact our team for more information about our lightweight, custom commercial planter boxes.