Planning & Designing Your Landscape for Fall Installation

Introduction to Fall Landscaping

Fall is an excellent time to plan and design your landscape in Middle Tennessee. The cooler temperatures and increased rainfall create ideal conditions for planting. By carefully planning your landscape, you can ensure a beautiful and thriving garden come spring. Here are some tips from us at Nature's Best to help you get started.

Assessing Your Landscape

1. Evaluate Existing Plants

• Identify which plants are thriving and which need replacement. Remember, landscape shrubs generally live around 10 years, some may live longer but may not be as vibrant or outgrow the area.
• Consider the overall health of your soil and make amendments if necessary.

2. Site Analysis

• Examine your garden’s exposure to sunlight, wind, and water.
• Note areas with poor drainage or excessive shade and plan accordingly. Remember, each plant has different requirements. 

Choosing the Right Plants

1. Trees and Shrubs

• Examples: Maple, oak, dogwood, and holly.
• Benefits: Trees and shrubs provide structure and long-lasting beauty to your landscape.

2. Perennials and Bulbs

• Examples: Hostas, heucheras, daylilies and tulips.
• Benefits: These plants add color and texture and return year after year.

3. Ground Covers and Grasses

• Examples: Vinca vine, Purple leaf wintercreeper, sedum, and ornamental grasses.
• Benefits: Ground covers help prevent erosion, add visual interest, and help reduce the amount of weeds and overall bed maintenance. 

Designing Your Landscape

1. Creating Focal Points

• Use trees, large shrubs, or garden art to draw the eye and create visual interest.
• Consider the use of pathways or borders to guide movement through your garden.

2. Layering Plants

• Place taller plants at the back and shorter plants in front to create depth.
• Use a variety of textures and colors to enhance visual appeal.

3. Seasonal Interest

• Choose plants that offer visual interest throughout the year, such as evergreens and those with interesting bark or fall color. Remember - location is the key here.

Preparing for Planting

1. Soil Preparation

• Test your soil and add compost or other organic matter to improve fertility and drainage.
• Mulch 2” - 3” around new plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Remember to not build mulch up directly on the crown of the plant, as this could damage the plant. 

2. Planting Techniques

• Plant trees and shrubs at the proper depth, ensuring the root flare is at ground level.
• Space plants appropriately to allow for growth and air circulation.

Maintenance Tips

Watering

• Water new plants thoroughly and consistently until they are established.
• Adjust your watering schedule based on rainfall and temperature changes.

Fertilizing

• Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to provide essential nutrients.
• Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive growth and weak plants.

Conclusion: Enjoying Your Fall Landscape

By planning and designing your landscape for fall installation, you can create a beautiful and sustainable garden that will thrive for years to come. Nature's Best in Nolensville, Tennessee, offers the expertise and resources you need to achieve your landscaping goals. Start your fall garden project today and enjoy the benefits of a well-designed outdoor space. Nature’s Best has everything you need to get started - from bulk and bagged soil amendments and mulch, to palletized stone for paths, patios, and walls, including all the plant material you require - trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals! We have also just added a large selection of fountains and benches. 

Feel like this is too much for you to tackle on your own? Let Nature’s Best design, install, and build your landscape for you. With our expert team we can do anything you need outdoors: patios, water features, fire places, outdoor kitchens, pergolas, irrigation and plant installation! We do it all in house!

Call today to schedule your appointment with our designer.