Opinion
A Look at Fall Landscaping Trends for Utah Homeowners
As the intense heat of a Utah summer finally gives way to the cool, crisp air of September, a unique magic settles over the landscape. The mountains begin their spectacular transformation into a tapestry of gold, orange, and red, and we are all drawn to spend as much time as possible soaking in the beauty of the season. For a homeowner, this is not the end of the gardening year; it’s the beginning of a “second spring.”
Fall is the perfect time to be in your yard, not just to clean up, but to actively plant, prepare, and design for the seasons ahead. But creating and maintaining a beautiful fall landscape requires more than just a rake. From the final mow of the season to shredding leaves for mulch, having reliable outdoor lawn equipment is the key to making your fall yard work efficient and enjoyable, setting the stage for a healthy lawn next spring.
If you’re looking to elevate your yard this autumn, here are some of the biggest trends that are perfectly suited for the unique climate and lifestyle of a Utah homeowner.
Embracing Water-Wise and Native Plantings
For years, the rule of thumb was to do all your planting in the spring. But in our arid climate, fall is actually the ideal time to introduce new perennials, shrubs, and trees to your landscape. The cooler air temperatures are less stressful on new plants, and the warm soil encourages strong root development. This gives them a huge head start in becoming well-established before the heat of next summer arrives.
The focus is on choosing plants that are naturally suited to our environment. Look for beautiful, water-wise, and native plants that provide stunning fall color. Species like Gambel Oak, Serviceberry, and a variety of ornamental grasses can add texture and color to your yard while requiring significantly less water than traditional choices.
Creating a “Jewel Box” Fall Garden
Your garden’s color shouldn’t end when the last of the summer petunias fade away. A major trend is to design specific garden beds to be “jewel boxes” that hit their absolute peak of color in the autumn. This is about creating an intentional, vibrant display that celebrates the unique palette of the season.
Think in layers of rich, warm colors:
- Chrysanthemums (Mums): The undisputed kings of the fall garden, available in a huge range of colors from deep bronze to vibrant yellow.
- Asters: These daisy-like perennials provide a beautiful pop of purple and blue.
- Ornamental Grasses: Their feathery plumes add texture and movement, and many turn a beautiful golden-tan in the fall.
- Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’: This hardy succulent produces beautiful, broccoli-like heads that transform from pink to a deep, coppery red in the fall.
Hardscaping for Year-Round Coziness
Fall in Utah has the perfect weather for spending evenings outdoors. The days are pleasant, and the nights are cool and perfect for gathering with friends and family. This has fueled a huge trend in creating cozy, functional outdoor living rooms.
The centerpiece of the modern Utah backyard is the fire pit. It provides warmth, light, and a natural gathering spot that extends the usability of your patio well into the colder months. When choosing materials for a new patio or retaining wall, look for natural stone that complements our stunning mountain landscape.
Sustainable Fall Cleanup and Lawn Prep
The old fall chore of raking up every single leaf and stuffing it into a bag is becoming a thing of the past. The modern, sustainable approach is to treat those fallen leaves as a valuable resource.
Instead of bagging them, simply mow over the leaves on your lawn a few times. Your mower will shred them into a fine, nutrient-rich mulch that will decompose over the winter, feeding your lawn’s soil for free. This is one of the single best things you can do for the health of your turf. A little prep in the fall leads to a much greener lawn in the spring. Other key fall lawn care steps for our climate include a final fertilization and aeration.
Fall in Utah is a special, fleeting season. By embracing these trends, you can create a landscape that not only mirrors the stunning beauty of the surrounding mountains but is also more sustainable, functional, and perfectly prepared for the year ahead.
