How to Enhance Fall Beauty in Your Backyard

Our Midwestern climate provides the perfect opportunity to watch a spectrum of colors develop as temperatures change. A drive through the hills will let you know that there are lots of low-maintenance plants and shrubs in this neck of the woods, some of which will bloom and produce colors late into the season. Homeowners can take advantage of the natural beauty of autumn by planting veggies, flowers and trees that thrive in cooler months, and take other steps to bring those amazon colors to their backyards. 

Design Your Flowers and Foliage with Autumn Colors in Mind

Start by designing your garden to include sturdy fall flowers that will weather the seasonal transitions as well as possible. For example, dahlias and marigolds can last even as temperatures dip into the 40s.

There’s a lot more to choose from, and it might help to get inspiration from local sources like the Chicago Botanic Garden, which recommends a healthy mix of perennials to brighten a fall landscape with sweet scents and eye-popping hues. Their ideas include the native garden phlox to provide “a whole palette of color options,” ornamental switchgrass, berry-producing shrubs, and black-eyed Susans that will continue to bloom in the fall.

What Midwestern Trees Should You Add for Beautiful Fall Leaves?

Leafy deciduous trees should also be selected with color variance in mind. From the red maple to the northern red oak, plan your design with yellows, oranges and reds in the mix. Three examples that enhance landscapes throughout the region:

Aurea Hoptree

For instance, the aurea is a hoptree known for the bright yellow leaves it produces in the fall. While not ideal for a small garden, this tree doesn’t need to take up much space, and the colors will especially pop when interspersed with a green backdrop. 

Autumn Glory Maple

The name pretty much says it all. Autumn glory maples produce spectacular colors early in the season and hold onto them for a long time. What’s more, after losing its leaves, narrow red growths will often remain, keeping the theme alive.

Ornamental Pear

These decorative little trees can produce a spectrum of colors at the same time. An added bonus: they can be pruned easily and will also be beautiful as they begin to bloom in spring.

Decorate with Outdoor Living & Fall Entertaining in Mind

Want to create an inviting environment for entertaining guests, as well as enjoying time alone surrounded by nature? There are many things people can do to foster a feeling of coziness and beauty. Consider other ways to introduce seasonal colors and themes – even if temporary. Gourds are great because they’re visually appealing, tough, and add instant character to any stoop or ledge. They’re also inexpensive and easy to move around. 

It’s also a good time to give any unused hardscapes a second look. Too many homes shut down their decks and patios as soon as September arrives. The addition of a fire pit and some cozy outdoor furniture can make all the difference this time of year.

Illumination Outdoor Spaces with Lanterns and Lights

As days get shorter and temperatures drop, look for opportunities to use lights to your advantage. Weather-resistance string lights, strategically placed LEDs, and attractive lanterns can be used throughout any outdoor space to add warmth and illumination in the evenings.

Use Experienced Landscaping Company for Design, Maintain & Construction Needs

A full-service landscaping company can help you make your autumn oasis a success. Do you have unfinished deck or patio space? Don’t let the fall weather dissuade you from using it. At Schmechtig Landscapes, we also specialize in the design and installation of hardscapes with beauty and weather protection in mind. Throughout the fall, you’ll also want to work with a maintenance provider that has expertise handling a variety of landscape and outdoor living spaces. 

Call Schmechtig today for a free consultation about the best ways to enhance your landscape. Our team can provide a full range of services, from design and construction to maintenance and snow removal. Let’s get started!