Fall is the perfect time to boost your home’s exterior in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area. With autumn’s beauty as the backdrop, strategic improvements can increase your property’s value and marketability.

Studies show homes with good fall curb appeal sell for 7% more than those with neglected exteriors. Whether you’re listing your home or just want to make it beautiful year-round, these tips will help you turn your property into an autumn showstopper.

Smart Landscaping Ideas to Boost Fall Curb Appeal

Choose the Right Plants for North Carolina’s Climate

The Triangle area’s mild fall climate is perfect for seasonal plantings. Mums, pansies, and ornamental kale love the cooler temps and come in colors that match autumn’s palette. These hardy plants can withstand the occasional temperature fluctuations and look great all season.

Ornamental grasses like fountain grass and purple muhly grass add texture and movement to your landscape. Plant them in clusters near entryways or along walkways to create natural focal points that draw the eye to your home.

Strategic Plant Placement

Place seasonal plants at key visual points around your property:

• • Entryway containers: Large planters flanking your front door make an immediate impact
  • Garden bed borders: Use fall annuals to define landscape areas
  • Corner accents: Place taller plants at property corners to frame your home’s architecture

Layer different heights and textures to create depth. Combine tall ornamental grasses with medium-height mums and low-growing pansies for a professional look.

Curb Appeal on a Budget

DIY Seasonal Decorations

You don’t need a big budget to create fall magic. Pumpkins, gourds, and hay bales from local farmers’ markets are way cheaper than store-bought decorations and support local businesses.

Vary the sizes and colors of pumpkins. Group odd numbers together (3, 5 or 7) for the most pleasing arrangements. Add cornstalks tied with burlap ribbon for height and rustic charm.

Low-Cost Maintenance Tasks

Focus on high-impact, low-cost improvements:

• • Power wash walkways and driveways – This simple task can make a big impact* Clean windows and light fixtures – Clean surfaces reflect light and look well-maintained
  • Touch up exterior paint on trim, doors and shutters using leftover paint or small sample cans
  • Replace worn doormats with seasonal ones that match your fall decor

Smart Shopping for Fall Decor

Shop end-of-season sales from the previous year or check thrift stores and estate sales for unique planters and decorative items. Many fall decorations can be repurposed year after year with proper storage.

Year-Round Yard Care for Fall

Lawn Care That Matters

Proper fall lawn care sets the stage for a beautiful spring. Mow your lawn one last time before the first frost, cutting slightly shorter than summer height to prevent matting under leaves or potentially winter snow and ice.

Aerate your soil if it’s compacted. This allows nutrients, water and oxygen to penetrate deeply and promote healthy root growth through winter months.

Leaf Management Strategy

While fall leaves are beautiful, they require active management. Rake regularly to prevent thick layers from suffocating your grass. Consider composting leaves or using them as mulch around trees and garden beds.

Pruning and Plant Health

Trim overgrown branches on shrubs and trees to maintain clean lines and plant health as winter approaches. Remove any dead or diseased wood and shape plants to match your home’s architecture.

Clean out gutters and downspouts to prevent water damage that could affect your foundation and landscaping.

Outdoor Lighting for Safety and Appeal

Pathway and Safety Lighting

With shorter daylight hours, proper lighting is essential for both safety and aesthetics. Install pathway lights to illuminate walkways and guide visitors to your entrance. Solar-powered options are energy efficient with minimal maintenance.

Make sure all existing outdoor fixtures are working. Replace burnt-out bulbs and clean fixtures for maximum brightness and visual appeal.

Ambiance

String lights or lanterns on porches create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that buyers can’t resist. These add outdoor living possibilities and extend the sense of usable space.

Consider uplighting for mature trees or architectural features. This adds drama during evening hours when most showings occur.

When to Call the Pros for Curb Appeal Projects

When to Hire Help

While many fall projects are DIY-friendly, some benefit from professional expertise:

Landscape design for major plantings or hardscape work requires knowledge of local soil conditions, drainage patterns and plant compatibility. Professional landscapers understand Raleigh’s climate challenges and can recommend plants that will thrive long-term.

Electrical work for permanent lighting should always be done by licensed professionals for safety and code compliance.

Tree services for large pruning or removal of damaged trees require specialized equipment and expertise to protect your property and surrounding areas.

Professional Photography for Home Staging Tips

If you’re selling, invest in professional photography that shows off your fall work. Schedule shoots during golden hour to capture warm exterior spaces.

Professional photographers know how to highlight seasonal decor, well-maintained lawns and vibrant plantings to make your listing stand out in the Raleigh real estate market.

Staging Outdoor Spaces for Maximum Impact

Create Gathering Areas

Set up seating on porches or patios with comfortable chairs, seasonal pillows and blankets. These staging elements help buyers envision themselves enjoying outdoor spaces this fall.

Highlight Seasonal Features

Emphasize the unique autumn features of your property. If you have mature trees with great fall color, make sure they’re visible in photos and from key viewing angles. A cozy fireplace or fire pit is a major selling point in the cooler months.

Fall Home Staging & Curb Appeal Tips Every Homeowner Needs

Investing in fall curb appeal pays off long after the season is over. Consistent maintenance habits established now prevent long-term damage and keep your Raleigh property looking great all year.

By creating a routine for seasonal yard work, plant care, and exterior cleaning, you’ll be competitive in the Triangle market and reduce spring prep time making year-round maintenance more manageable.

Work done in fall shows its greatest impact in spring when the growing season starts and is the best ROI.

Ready to boost your home’s curb appeal this fall? Contact us at Emily Weems, Realtor for personalized advice on maximizing your property’s value in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill market. We know the local market and will help your home shine in any season.