As the days grow shorter and the crisp scent of autumn fills the air, the outdoors takes on a special kind of energy. Fall isn’t only about leaves drifting to the ground; it is a season of opportunity, a time to gather, refresh, and make the most of what nature offers before winter arrives. 

Fall is the perfect time to promote landscape refreshes, seasonal enhancements, and property updates that prepare clients for the holidays and colder months ahead. It is also an opportunity to showcase services that keep outdoor spaces looking their best while ensuring steady business as the seasons change. 

From vibrant garden touch-ups to glowing holiday lights, fall is full of ways to help your customers enjoy their outdoor spaces and keep your business thriving.

1. Landscape Refresh 

As temperatures drop and fall sets in, plants and turf need extra attention. Refreshing mulch, boosting plant health, and defining garden beds helps keep landscapes strong and vibrant throughout the season. 

“Landscape refresh items in the fall for turf would include aeration, overseed and a fall fertilizer application,” said Ross Buffa, Ewing’s Great Lakes account manager. “For landscape beds you might be looking at fall weeding, an application of bed weed control and even a fresh application of mulch. Many homeowners also like to decorate and plant fall mums.” 

• Mulching: Adding a fresh layer of mulch protects soil, moderates temperature, and retains moisture, preparing plants for colder months.
• Plant Boosters: Fall fertilizers and soil amendments help strengthen roots, improve water retention and enhance plant color while increasing tolerance to cooler weather. For best results, apply when soil temperatures reach around 55°F.
• Landscape Edging: Installing or refreshing edging adds definition to garden beds, prevents grass encroachment, and gives landscapes a polished, finished look.

2. Outdoor Living Enhancements

Cooler temperatures and earlier nightfall create opportunities to extend the use of outdoor spaces with features like fire pits, fireplaces, and landscape lighting. These additions not only enhance comfort and ambiance but also provide contractors with valuable ways to showcase seasonal upgrades that keep clients engaged year-round. 

“Fireplaces and fire pits are extremely popular on patios to extend the patio sitting season into cool fall evenings,” Buffa said. “Landscape lighting is also very popular as it gets darker earlier. It provides a safety element and enhances the landscape as people enjoy getting their homes ready for the holidays.” 

• Fire Pits: Fire pits provide warmth and ambiance, encouraging backyard use even as temperatures drop. Offer customizable options for size, shape, and material to fit any backyard space.
• Fireplaces: Outdoor fireplaces elevate any space, becoming a striking focal point while extending the entertaining season. Choose from prefabricated kits for quick installs or design custom-built fireplaces for a high-end, bespoke look.
• Outdoor Lighting: Lighting extends the use of outdoor spaces and creates inviting atmospheres after dark. Contractors can add path lights, uplights, and wall fixtures for both safety and ambiance. Ewing offers durable, weather-resistant options from FX Luminaire, Kichler, and Unique Lighting Systems to fit projects of any scale. Bistro lighting, in particular, adds a warm, festive touch that works well for patios, courtyards, and community gathering areas.

3. Winterization Services

Fall is the ideal time to protect landscapes and irrigation systems from winter damage. By offering winterization services, you help clients avoid costly repairs and ensure their yards are ready to thrive when spring arrives. 

“Here in the Midwest, winterizing irrigation systems is a very important part of maintaining your investment,” Buffa said. “It prevents freeze damage and broken pipes, as well as expensive repairs in the spring.” 

• Shut Off & Drain: Turn off power and water to irrigation systems, disconnect controllers, and remove water from pipes using the blowout method.
• Protect Components: Close drain valves and insulate exposed pipes, pumps, and backflow preventers to prevent freezing.
• Early Scheduling: Offering winterization services in advance ensures your clients think of you first when it’s time to winterize. 

“Services that include installing burlap can work as a barrier to protect items like arborvitae or boxwood from the cold, as well as from salt applied to prevent slip and fall in the winter,” Buffa added.

4. Holiday Lighting

The holiday season presents a strong opportunity for contractors to expand their services and capture additional revenue. Holiday lighting is more than decoration; it’s a value-added service that keeps crews busy, strengthens client relationships, and sets your business apart during a competitive time of year. 

“Holiday lighting ties right into the season,” Buffa said. “Homeowners and businesses want their properties to look great, and contractors can provide safe, professional installs that help create a festive environment while keeping crews busy during slower months.” 

Why Holiday Lighting Works for Contractors: 

• Additional Revenue Stream: Seasonal lighting installations provide income during months when other outdoor projects may slow down.
• Target Customers: Focus on existing landscape clients, commercial properties, and community spaces that want professional, hassle-free displays.
• Professional Advantage: With proper tools and expertise, contractors can offer safe, efficient, and polished installations that DIY solutions can’t match. For step-by-step support, check out our Holiday Lighting Install Guide to make setup easier and more efficient.
• Custom Designs: Tailored lighting plans let you upsell while meeting the unique needs of each property.
• Plan Ahead: Reaching out to clients early in the fall helps secure installations before the holiday rush. 

By incorporating holiday lighting into your service lineup, you not only create festive spaces for clients but also establish a reliable seasonal offering that supports steady business growth. 

Stop by your local Ewing to explore the products, tools, and insights you need to add holiday lighting to your services and make this season your most successful yet.