The mornings are slightly cooler, nighttime arrives a little sooner, and the leaves are ever-so-subtly changing colors. Fall is on the way—and after all the heat and humidity, you’re ready to welcome the change.

In New Jersey, fall is just as much of an outdoor season as summer. The crisp air and vibrant foliage provide a refreshing backdrop for enjoying your backyard, whether you’re hosting gatherings on the weekends or simply unwinding after workdays. After the bittersweet Labor Day Weekend, you can cancel out any end-of-summer sadness by turning your attention to prepping your outdoor space for the perfect fall. Here’s what you’ll want to do:

1. Clean Up and Refresh Your Landscape
The first step in preparing your outdoor space for fall is to clear out the remnants of summer. Overgrown plants, spent blooms, and fallen leaves can make your yard look untidy and may also harbor pests and plant diseases. Start by cutting back any overgrown summer plants and removing any debris that has accumulated in your garden beds. This cleanup not only makes your space look orderly but also prevents potential issues in the coming cooler months.

Next, refresh your mulch and re-edge your garden beds. A fresh layer of mulch helps insulate plant roots as the temperatures begin to drop. Re-edging your beds will give your garden a crisp, clean look that sets the stage for the season ahead.

And don’t forget about your lawn! Early fall is the ideal time to aerate and reseed your grass. Aeration allows your lawn to breathe and absorb nutrients more effectively, while reseeding fills in any bare patches that summer may have caused. A healthy, green lawn will continue to enhance your outdoor space well into the fall. If this sounds like a lot to tackle on your own, High Tech Landscapes can provide the lawn, tree and shrub care needed to ensure your entire landscape is ready for a wonderful fall.

2. Incorporate Fall-Friendly Plants
As summer’s vibrant blooms begin to fade, it’s time to introduce some fall-friendly plants that will carry your garden’s beauty into the cooler months. Flowers like mums, asters, and pansies are nice for adding bursts of color that align with the season’s palette. These hardy flowers can withstand cooler temperatures and will continue to brighten your garden long after summer’s blooms have gone.

In addition to seasonal flowers, consider adding evergreens and late-blooming perennials to your garden. Evergreens provide year-round structure and visual interest, even as other plants go dormant. Late-blooming perennials, such as sedum and coneflowers, will continue to add color and texture to your garden into late fall.

Now is also the time to plant spring-blooming bulbs like tulips and daffodils, so you can enjoy a vibrant display of color when the warmer weather returns. Our Know Your Plants database helps you select the best plants and flowers for your garden, ensuring a seamless transition from summer to fall and a head start on spring.

3. Transition Outdoor Decor
As the seasons change, so should your outdoor decor. Start by swapping out your bright summer cushions and fabrics for more muted fall tones. Think deep oranges, rich reds, and earthy browns. Adding cozy blankets and throws to your outdoor seating areas will not only keep you warm during those cooler evenings but also enhance the overall ambiance of your space.

With the days growing shorter, outdoor lighting becomes even more important. Consider updating your lighting to ensure safety and to create a welcoming atmosphere. String lights, lanterns, and pathway lighting are all great options for adding both functional and decorative lighting to your yard. These additions will make your outdoor space usable well into the evening hours, allowing you to enjoy those crisp fall nights to the fullest. Our expertise in landscape lighting can help you create the perfect lighting outside your home.

Seasonal decorations are another way to embrace the change of seasons. Pumpkins, gourds, and autumn wreaths instantly give your outdoor space that fall feeling. These decorations are easy to incorporate and can be changed out as the season progresses, keeping your space feeling fresh and festive.

4. Maintain or Upgrade Structural Elements
Your hardscaping elements—such as patios and walkways, as well as retaining walls—anchor your outdoor space’s functionality and appearance. Before fall is in full swing, take the time to inspect these structures for any signs of wear or damage. Addressing any issues now can prevent more serious problems during the winter months, when freeze-thaw cycles can exacerbate cracks or other damage.

Fall is a great time to think about adding or upgrading features like fire pits and outdoor heaters. These additions can extend the usability of your outdoor space well into the cooler months, allowing you to enjoy your patio or deck even as temperatures drop. High Tech Landscapes offers complete design-build services to create your ideal outdoor space for not just the fall season, but all seasons.

5. Invest for the Future
As you transition your outdoor space for fall, it’s also an opportunity to think about long-term improvements that will enhance your enjoyment of the space year-round. Consider features like evergreen plantings, permanent seating areas, or even an outdoor kitchen. These elements not only add value to your home but also make your outdoor space more versatile and enjoyable in every season.

Working with landscape professionals like High Tech can help you create a master plan that considers your property’s unique characteristics and your personal preferences. Whether you’re looking to add shade, improve privacy, or create a space that transitions smoothly between seasons, High Tech can bring your vision to life.

Make the Most of Outdoor Living
Summer gets all the love, but fall may very well be the most comfortable and refreshing season to spend outdoors in NJ. With a little planning and effort, you can create a space that’s beautiful, comfortable and functional throughout the season. Contact us today to transform your outdoor space all around.