Fall is an ideal season for tackling outdoor projects. Cooler temperatures make tasks more comfortable to complete. New plantings benefit from having time to establish before winter. If you’re looking to improve curb appeal, create better outdoor living spaces, or just refresh worn features, a few strategic upgrades can make a dramatic difference.
Selecting and protecting plant material
• Add shade, seasonal color, and privacy with trees. In the Midwest, popular choices include red maples, river birches, tulip trees and Eastern redbuds.
• Reduce maintenance with more sustainable native and pollinator plants.
• Install larger shrubs like inkberry, holly, arborvitae and viburnum to instantly make a landscape appear more mature.
• Add fresh mulch after the first hard frost to help insulate roots.
Refinish or restore pavers
• In many cases, existing pavers can be restored to look almost new with far less expense than a complete rebuild.
• Start by pressure washing to remove dirt, algae, and stains.
• Replace broken pavers and re-level sunken areas.
• For patios or walkways more than 10–15 years old, installing fresh polymeric sand in joints and sealing the pavers can dramatically improve appearance while helping reduce weed growth and erosion.
Refresh your deck
• If the structure is still sound, refinishing can deliver much of the visual impact of a brand-new deck at a fraction of the cost.
• Should you need to stain or seal, cool temperatures are better for these materials to cure.
• If it’s time to replace worn railings, consider installing cable rail systems for a more modern appearance.
• Make it inviting by adding built-in seating, planters, or lighting.
Define outdoor living spaces
• Define cozy dining or living areas with weather resistant furniture.
• Include shady options with an awning, pavilion or covered pergola.
• Make meal prep handy with an outdoor kitchen or grilling station.
• Add a level of privacy with decorative panels.
Light things up for impact
• Transform your property after sunset and invite family and friends to stay outside longer.
• Keep guests safe with path lights along walkways and stair lighting.
• Uplight trees for drama and direct accent lighting to showcase stone walls or architectural features.
• Drape string lights for a bit of romantic ambience.
Play with fire as a focal point
• Use natural stone or pavers to build a fire pit, surrounding patio and seating areas.
• Purchase a stand-alone fire pit that can be moved as needed.
• Consider purchasing patio furniture with an integrated coffee table fire feature.
• Choose between wood, gas or propane fueled options.
Add crispness with edging and borders
• If you’re going for a modern look, consider steel edging around your beds.
• Enhance your existing paver walkway or patio with complementary natural stone borders or brick edging.
• Curve the edges of landscape beds to create a more organic look versus straight lines.
Protect your investment with gutters
• Stay off the ladder and install gutter guards to reduce leaf buildup.
• Upgrade to seamless gutters for a cleaner appearance.
• Add oversized downspouts for improved drainage.
Article originally appeared September 2026