Six Ways to Bring Fall to Your Tampa Bay Landscape

Even in Florida, the Fall feeling hits hard as soon as October arrives. Autumn festivities, slightly cooler weather, and the approaching holidays all contribute to the buzz of Fall, even if the foliage remains obstinately green. Florida’s temperate climate and lack of changing leaves don’t mean you can’t bring Fall to your Tampa Bay landscape.

There are a number of ways to make your Florida property feel and look more like the Autumn season. With the help of these tips and tricks, you can bring the Fall feeling to your landscape and everyone who passes by or sets foot on it.

Refresh Your Mulch

Fall is the perfect time to re-mulch your landscape. Not only do the warm colors typically associated with mulch help bring that Autumn feeling and enhance the appearance of your property, but fresh mulch also prepares your flower beds and accent areas for the coming season. You can even incorporate any fallen leaves into your mulching to recycle the organic material and provide your plants with natural fertilizer.

Identify Issues

The transition from Summer to Fall is the perfect time to evaluate your landscape with a critical eye and identify any issues before they become problems. Working with a landscaping professional is a great idea here, as they have the experience and expertise to spot concerns that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Plants may show early signs of disease, your lawn may be giving you signs about its health, and your infrastructure (such as walkways, lighting, and water features) may also need maintenance or repair.

Spruce it up with Colorful Plants

Tampa Bay landscapes may not scream Fall colors, but even in Florida, it is possible to add those endearing shades of orange, red, and yellow. There are several plants that echo the vibrant color spectrum of Autumn while thriving in Florida’s climate. With plenty of plants to choose from, working with your landscaper to select the varieties you like most (and that best complement your property) is the best route.

Check Your Irrigation System

If your property is equipped with an irrigation system, now is the ideal time to check it. Whether you used it frequently throughout the summer or benefited from a rainy season, you’ll want to perform a thorough evaluation of your irrigation system to ensure it is in good shape before the cooler temperatures arrive. Additionally, you will likely need to use it during the early Fall months, giving you extra motivation to ensure it is functioning properly.

Perform Essential Maintenance

Every Tampa Bay landscape requires consistent maintenance in order to thrive. Some of this maintenance is routine, such as mowing the lawn and watering plants. Other forms of maintenance tend to be less practiced and done at larger intervals. Fall is the best time to determine what maintenance is needed and execute it.

Areas of potential need for many Tampa Bay properties include water features, outdoor lighting, irrigation systems, new sod, thorough fertilization, pruning of shrubs, and trimming of tree limbs. While this is a good list to get you started with Fall landscape maintenance, you should employ the expertise of a landscaper to ensure your property receives the attention it deserves.

Decorate for the Season

Whether you are prepping your commercial Tampa Bay landscape for Autumn or striving to better your personal property, adding a little Fall flair via seasonal decorations can be a fun and effective way to bring Fall to Florida. From natural elements like hay bales and pumpkins to kitschier options like scarecrows, the way you spice up your property is an overlooked area of landscaping that can make a tremendous impact.

No matter what your vision might be for your Tampa Bay landscape, Landcrafters can help you achieve them. So, whether you’re bringing Fall to Florida this year or simply rejuvenating your property, Landcrafters is on your team. With over 20 years of experience in the area, you can trust Landcrafters to bring the experience and expertise needed to elevate your landscape to new heights. Feel free to reach out to us with questions or to discuss your landscaping goals.

In the meantime, check out our blog. It packs a punch with loads of valuable landscaping tips and tricks. It is updated regularly and is completely free!