As the vibrant colors of summer fade and the cool autumn breeze sets in, it’s time to give your outdoor space a seasonal makeover. Fall landscaping allows you to embrace the beauty of nature’s transition and create a cozy oasis. If you have natural stone elements in your landscape, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. So, without further ado, here are five crucial fall landscaping tips that will help you maintain and enhance the beauty of your outdoor space.
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5 Fall Landscaping Tips for a Beautiful Outdoor Space
1. Removing Leaves from Stone Surfaces
Fall is beloved for its beautiful display of falling, colorful leaves. While they add charm to the landscape, they also cause damage to your stone surfaces if left unattended. Wet leaves stain and degrade the stone over time. So, regularly sweep or use a leaf blower to remove them from your stone patios, walkways, and other hardscape features. This simple task will help preserve the integrity and beauty of the stone for years to come.
Removing the leaves from stone surfaces will prevent damages.
2. Rehousing Flowerpots
Similar to leaves, leaving flowerpots directly on stone surfaces for prolonged periods of time can result in staining or discoloration. Additionally, moisture may seep into the stone, causing unsightly marks. To avoid this, use pot saucers or trays to elevate your flowerpots off the stone. This prevents damage and allows for better drainage. Consider adding a layer of decorative gravel or pebbles beneath the pots to further protect the stone surface and enhance the overall appeal of your fall garden.
3. Checking for Areas Where Maintenance is Needed
As colder months set in, conduct a thorough inspection of your outdoor space to identify areas where maintenance may be needed. Examine your stone elements for any signs of cracking, chipping, or loose stones, and contact a professional to make any necessary repairs. Addressing these issues promptly will prevent further damage. Additionally, having a high-quality stone sealant will safeguard your surfaces from the fall elements—helping to protect against the staining mentioned in the tips above and keeping your stone in its best condition regardless of the season. If your stone surfaces are already sealed, you’ll want to check if a new coat needs to be applied by pouring a small amount of water on the stone. If the water is absorbed, a new coat is needed.
Surprisingly fall is a great time to install a stone patio
4. Installing a Stone Patio
Fall is the perfect time to undertake the installation of a stone patio. Why? Starting this project during the fall has many advantages, such as:
- Fewer chances of your landscaping getting damaged since most plants are dormant
- More availability from contractors since it’s the slower season
To top it all off, once spring does roll around, you’ll have a gorgeous new stone patio ready to use as soon as the weather warms back up!
5. Adding Accent Lighting
As the days grow shorter, accent lighting transforms your outdoor space and creates a warm and inviting ambiance. Strategically placed lighting fixtures highlight the beauty of your natural stone elements, such as pillars, pathways, or water features. Consider installing LED lights in the ground or on walls to provide soft, subtle illumination. This enhances the overall aesthetics and improves the safety and usability of your outdoor space during the darker fall evenings.
A Magnificent Season with Magnificent Stone
With these fall landscaping tips in mind, you can maintain the beauty and integrity of your outdoor space. So, as you embrace the beauty of the season and make the most out of this magical time of year, take satisfaction in knowing your outdoor space looks just as gorgeous as fall itself. To learn more about how you can keep your outdoor stone shining—as well as your indoor stone—download our helpful natural stone care guide and ensure your space looks phenomenal inside and out!