November leads into December's cold, wind and rain. This is a good time to have the pruners and cutting utensils cleaned and sharpened for later use. Avoid pruning deciduous plants until all the leaves have dropped. Wait to prune spring-flowering trees and shrubs until they have flowered.

   Rake or pick up any fallen leaves. It is best to rake leaves when dry as they get heavier when they are wet. If left on the ground they can stain concrete and hardscape and can cause mold.

   Check watering schedules and sprinkler settings as the weather is cooling dramatically. The landscape doesn't need to be irrigated when it is raining. If the landscape doesn't already have a smart controller to sense the weather changes now may be a good time to look into buying one and installing it. Read more about selecting smart controllers and using these devices in Landscape and Irrigation Management and Conservation. 

   Check sprinklers for uniform watering and remedy any puddling or drainage problems in the landscape. Standing water can be damaging to trees, turf, and other plants.

   This is a good time to aerate turfgrass areas and fill in any bare areas with seed. Fertilize, and if necessary, control existing broadleaf weeds so they don't become established and seed over winter. If you spray now before the rainy season starts you can get better control of spring weeds as well. Consider applying pre-emergent herbicide for management of winter annuals. Perennial rye can be overseeded in the fall on warm season lawns.

   Remember to change mowing heights with the change of seasons according to the type of turf you have. You will want to check the optimal mow height by the particular species you have. Turfgrass is mowed at a shorter length in the winter months than the summer.

    It is a good time to plant bulbs for spring color and annual flowering plants for winter color. Bulbs of narcissus, crocus and other species should be planted now. Transplants of many cool-season flowering annuals including flowering kale can be planted now.