Why Autumn is the best time to use plant hire for landscaping projects

Autumn is one of the best seasons for landscaping, especially here in the UK. The weather is cooler, the soil is softer after summer, and there’s still plenty of daylight to get outdoor projects finished before winter sets in. Whether you’re reshaping gardens, preparing the ground for new planting, or tackling general site maintenance, Autumn offers ideal conditions to work efficiently and achieve those long-lasting results.

With the right plan and our reliable plant hire fleet here at Smiths Hire, you can make light work of even the toughest outdoor jobs. So, here’s how you can make the most of the season and which tool hire equipment can help you get the job done!

Prepare and shape the ground

Before any new garden layout, patio, or outdoor feature can take shape, the ground needs to be properly prepared. Autumn is the ideal time for this kind of groundwork; the soil is moist and workable after summer, making it easier to dig, grade, and reshape without the hardness of dry, compacted conditions. It’s also easier to identify problem areas after a long Summer (uneven ground, poor drainage, or overgrown spaces) that need clearing.

This is the season to re-level lawns, dig out foundations for patios or driveways, and cut new garden borders before the frost arrives. Tasks that would be exhausting in summer heat or slowed down by frozen ground in winter are far more manageable now. For this type of work, a mini digger is invaluable in speeding things up. The 0.8t Kubota Micro/Mini Digger is perfect for confined spaces and residential gardens, allowing you to trench, dig, and grade efficiently even where access is tight. For larger or more demanding jobs, we have the 2.5t Kubota U27-4 Mini Digger, which provides additional power and reach while still remaining compact enough to manoeuvre around smaller sites.

Move materials efficiently

Once the digging and shaping are done, the focus turns to moving materials across the site. Autumn ground conditions like damp soil, fallen leaves, and occasional rain can make this stage challenging and messy if you’re relying on wheelbarrows and manual labour. Heavy, wet soil and debris can quickly slow down your progress, especially when you’re racing against the ever-shortening daylight hours.

That’s where dumper trucks come in! The Altrad Belle 1 Ton Hi-Tip Dumper is ideal for small to medium-sized landscaping projects, offering easy tipping directly into skips or trailers without the strain of lifting. Its compact design makes it perfect for garden or driveway work where space can be limited. For larger spaces or more demanding loads, the 3 Ton Articulated Swivel Dumper offers a higher payload and the flexibility of a power swivel, allowing you to unload materials safely even in tight corners or uneven terrain. A dumper speeds up the job and keeps your site/garden tidy and efficient, reducing the risk of slips and unnecessary mess.

Clear, load, and finish strong

Once excavation and material moving are complete, it’s time to tidy and clear your space and prepare the landscape for the months ahead. This is when you can backfill trenches, level surfaces, and move aggregates or topsoil into place before temperatures drop. A clean and organised site now will make any spring planting and construction work far easier.

Skip loaders and compact loaders are perfect for this stage of the project, and we have plenty to choose from, such as the Avant 735 Loader (M735), which offers impressive lifting power and reach, making it ideal for transporting materials, loading skips, and handling backfill quickly and safely. For more residential or enclosed spaces where noise or emissions are a concern, we recommend the Electric Compact Loader (Avant E6), which provides a cleaner, quieter alternative without compromising on performance. Both machines are incredibly versatile and will help you finish projects to a professional standard while keeping the site safe and tidy ahead of winter!

Getting your landscaping done in Autumn sets you up nicely for spring, and it means you can jump straight into the fun stuff come next year, instead of battling mud and unfinished groundwork.

We’ve got a full range of mini diggers, dumper trucks, and skip loaders ready to hire, so you can make the most of this time of year and get your outdoor projects sorted before winter truly rolls in.

At Smiths Hire, we’re here to help you get the job done right. With 18 depots across the North West and Yorkshire, our team can provide expert advice and reliable equipment to keep your projects running smoothly through the Autumn months. Whether you’re in Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, or beyond, you can hire online or give us a call on 0333 323 2100 – and we’ll help you get everything you need to finish the season strong.