5 Fall Landscaping Ideas from Award-winning Landscape Designers

Autumn is a time of change; your yard is no exception. Embrace these seasonal changes by implementing smart fall landscaping ideas.

Top Fall Landscape Design Ideas

1. Add Pops of Color

Fall plants come in a range of vibrant colors, from soothing lilacs and calming greens to bold reds and sunny yellows. Go bold with your color choices when selecting new plants for your outdoor space.

Plants that offer great color in the St. Louis fall include:

• Fall flowers like asters and chrysanthemums (mums)
• Succulents like "Autumn joy" sedum
• Trees like dogwoods and Japanese maples
• Ornamental grasses like dwarf zebra grass, fountain grass, and little bluestem

2. Tie Spaces Together

Create synergy and tie your spaces together with elements that connect your yard to the home. For example, you can place mums in fall containers along your walkway, leading to potted plants with complementary colors by your home's entryway.

3. Create a Festive Display

Combine different fall decor elements to create something fun and eye-catching. If you have potted plants next to your front door, why stop there? Add more fall flair with a scarecrow, hay bale, grapevine wreath, and autumn-themed doormat.

4. Add (Literal) Warmth

Autumn brings exciting changes like gorgeous fall foliage and cooling weather. Don't let dropping temperatures stop you from enjoying your back or front yard, though. Add a fire pit or outdoor fireplace to your patio to ensure you have a cozy area to enjoy the changing season to the fullest.

5. Light It Up

Autumn means the sun goes down earlier and earlier. Light up your yard so you can enjoy it well into the evening with dedicated outdoor lighting. Your options here are endless. Stick with the fall theme and line your driveway with warm lanterns. Reduce maintenance by choosing solar-powered string lights to adorn your backyard fence. Install ground-level lighting that highlights focal points in your yard, like ornamental trees.

Top 4 Fall Landscaping Tips

1. Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

Preparation is non-negotiable when it comes to landscaping. If you'll be planting in the late summer or early fall, don't neglect cleanup and yard prep. Sweep away plant debris, check soil quality, and add a layer of fresh mulch to give your plants' root systems the best chance possible to thrive.

2. Don't Forget Maintenance

Some plants look great, but they can be difficult to maintain. Others are relatively low-maintenance, but only bloom for a single season, requiring future plantings. Always consider how much upkeep you are willing to put into your garden before starting. This crucial step can help you better decide which plants are right for your space, so you can keep your home looking great year round.

3. Start at the Right Time

Timing is everything when it comes to keeping your lawn and fall garden looking great. Double-check the back of your seed packets to determine the best time to sow seeds or move transplants.

4. Plan Ahead

Fall is a great time to prep your garden bed for next spring. Planting some spring-blooming bulbs like daffodils or sowing seeds for pansies in your flower bed can be a great way to ensure your landscape looks great not just in the fall, but upcoming growing seasons too.

Fall Landscaping FAQs

What landscaping should be done in the fall?

Fall landscaping is more than raking leaves. It means giving your yard what it needs to make it through winter before reemerging healthier than ever in the spring.

Fall landscaping items can include:

• Removing debris and yard waste
• Adding burlap or another cover to delicate shrubs
• Winterizing drainage systems
• Mulching garden beds
• Aerating the soil
• Adding compost to gardens

What is the rule of 3 in landscaping?

The landscaping "rule of 3" means to group elements (hardscape structures, greenery, water features, etc.) in groups of three to create a display that is visually dynamic yet still aesthetically pleasing. In other words, the rule of 3 is all about striking the right balance between beauty and synergy.

What can I plant outside in the fall?

Cool-season plants that thrive in St. Louis and enhance curb appeal include perennials like asters, annuals like petunias, herbs like oregano, and vegetables like radishes.

What is the best low-maintenance landscaping tip?

For a truly low-maintenance yard, hire landscaping experts to take care of everything for you, from seasonal cleanup to monthly upkeep.