September 23, 2025

Best Landscaping Projects to Tackle This Fall in East Tennessee

Fall in East Tennessee isn’t just about football and foliage—it’s also one of the best times of year to get your landscaping in shape. Cooler weather, softer soil, and steady rainfall make this season ideal for planting, pruning, and tackling projects that will set your property up for success in the spring.

At Newcomb Outdoors, we know some tasks are perfect weekend DIYs, while others need professional expertise to be done safely and effectively. Here’s our guide to the best fall landscaping projects for homeowners, plus the bigger jobs our team can help you with—especially if you live on a lake or deal with sloped terrain.

DIY Landscaping Projects for Fall

1. Clean Up Leaves & Refresh Mulch

Raking leaves not only tidies your lawn but also prevents mold and pests. Follow up with a fresh layer of mulch (2–3 inches) around garden beds, shrubs, and trees to protect roots through winter.

2. Plant Bulbs & Shrubs for Spring Color

Fall is the perfect time to plant tulips, daffodils, and other spring bulbs. Hardy shrubs like azaleas and rhododendrons also do well when planted now, giving them time to establish strong roots before winter.

3. Overseed & Fertilize Your Lawn

After aerating your lawn, overseed bare patches to thicken your turf. A fall fertilizer application gives your grass the nutrients it needs to bounce back healthy and green once spring arrives.

4. Prune Trees & Shrubs

Cut back dead or damaged branches to protect your property from storm damage and encourage healthier growth.

5. Prep for Frost

Lower your irrigation schedule, add mulch to insulate roots, and cover sensitive plants when frost is in the forecast.

Professional Projects Best Left to the Experts

Retaining Walls for Sloped Properties

East Tennessee’s hills and slopes can cause soil erosion and limit usable space. A custom retaining wall from Newcomb Outdoors not only prevents erosion but also adds beauty and function to your yard.

Shoreline Protection for Lake Homes

If you live on Cherokee Lake, Douglas Lake, or other area waterways, shoreline protection is essential. Our team specializes in riprap, boulder walls, and other stabilization solutions that protect your property from erosion while keeping your view and access intact.

Hardscaping & Terracing

From stone patios to garden terraces, hardscaping creates functional spaces while managing runoff. These projects require proper engineering and drainage—something our professionals handle from start to finish.

Why Fall is the Best Time to Start

  • Soil is warm enough for root growth
  • Cooler air reduces stress on plants
  • Consistent rainfall supports establishment
  • You’ll be ready for spring with less catch-up work

Ready to Get Started?

Whether you’re refreshing mulch and planting bulbs yourself, or you’re ready to invest in retaining walls, shoreline protection, or full-scale landscape design, Newcomb Outdoors is here to help.

📞 Call us today to schedule your consultation and let’s make this fall your property’s best season yet.