Commercial Fall Landscaping Trends in Maryland and Washington DC

As the vibrant colors of summer begin to transition into the warm and earthy hues of autumn, it’s the perfect time for property managers in Maryland and Washington DC to embrace commercial fall landscaping trends. Fall presents a unique opportunity to enhance the curb appeal and beauty of your commercial properties. In this blog post, we’ll explore some exciting autumn landscaping trends and provide a list of shrubs and flowers commonly planted in the Mid-Atlantic region during the fall season. Additionally, we’ll discuss various ways to elevate your commercial properties through landscaping.

Fall Landscaping Trends

1. Seasonal Foliage Displays: Autumn foliage is a natural spectacle, and incorporating trees that exhibit vibrant fall colors can be a game-changer for your commercial property. In Maryland and Washington DC, some of the most captivating choices include:
   • Sugar Maples (Acer saccharum): These trees are renowned for their brilliant red and orange leaves in the fall. Plant them strategically to create captivating focal points.
   • Red Maples (Acer rubrum): With their fiery red leaves, red maples are a stunning addition to any landscape during the autumn season.
   • Sweetgums (Liquidambar styraciflua): Sweetgums offer a mix of red, orange, and purple foliage, adding diversity to your fall color palette.
   • Dogwoods (Cornus florida): Although known for their spring blooms, certain dogwood varieties boast striking red foliage in the fall.
   • Ginkgo Trees (Ginkgo biloba): Ginkgo trees turn a bright golden-yellow in the fall, creating a dramatic and eye-catching display.
     
2. Fall-Blooming Flowers: The Mid-Atlantic region, encompassing areas like Maryland and Washington DC, experiences distinct seasonal changes, making fall a particularly beautiful time for landscaping. Here are some flowers and plants known for their fall blooms or stunning foliage color in this region:
   • Chrysanthemums (Mums):
     • Mums are perhaps the most iconic fall flowers. They come in a wide range of colors, including shades of red, orange, yellow, and purple.
     • These hardy perennials thrive in the Mid-Atlantic’s climate and can be planted in garden beds or used as colorful additions to containers.
   • Asters:
     • Asters are late-blooming perennials that burst with daisy-like flowers in the fall.
     • Varieties like New England asters (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) and New York asters (Symphyotrichum novi-belgii) produce vibrant pink, purple, or blue blooms.
   • Sedum (Stonecrop):
     • Sedum is a versatile succulent that comes to life in the fall with clusters of star-shaped flowers.
     • Autumn Joy (Sedum ‘Herbstfreude’) is a popular variety that boasts attractive pinkish-red blooms.
   • Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia):
     • Russian sage is prized for its airy, lavender-blue flower spikes that create a striking contrast against its silvery foliage.
     • This drought-tolerant perennial is well-suited to the Mid-Atlantic region’s climate.
   • Goldenrod (Solidago):
     • Goldenrod is often unfairly associated with allergies, but it’s actually a beautiful and essential fall wildflower.
     • It produces vibrant yellow flower spikes that attract pollinators, making it an excellent choice for adding color and wildlife interest to your landscape.
   • Saffron Crocus (Crocus sativus):
     • Saffron crocus is unique because it not only blooms in the fall but also produces the saffron spice.
     • Delicate purple flowers with vibrant orange-red stigmas make this plant a lovely addition to fall gardens.
   • Toad Lily (Tricyrtis):
     • Toad lilies are known for their exotic-looking, orchid-like flowers that appear in late summer and early fall.
     • Their speckled petals and unusual shapes add intrigue and beauty to shaded areas of your garden.
   • Helenium (Sneezeweed):
     • Helenium, also known as sneezeweed, produces bold, daisy-like flowers in shades of orange, red, and yellow.
     • These vibrant blooms are a fantastic choice for adding a pop of color to your fall landscape.
   • Japanese Anemone (Anemone hupehensis):
     • Japanese anemones are elegant, late-blooming perennials that feature delicate pink or white flowers with contrasting yellow centers.
     • They thrive in partial shade and can bring grace to woodland gardens.
   • Fall-Blooming Camellias (Camellia sasanqua):
     • Camellias are typically associated with winter blooms, but the sasanqua variety blooms in the fall.
     • These evergreen shrubs produce stunning, rose-like flowers in various colors, adding elegance to your autumn landscape.
   • Witch Hazel (Hamamelis):
     • Witch hazel is a deciduous shrub or small tree that blooms in late winter and early spring.
     • Its unique spidery, fragrant flowers add charm and intrigue to the late winter landscape.
   • Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum):
     • Japanese maples are renowned for their stunning fall foliage, which can range from fiery reds to brilliant oranges and deep purples.
     • These trees add a burst of color to your landscape as temperatures cool.
       
3. Warm-Hued Shrubs: Choose shrubs that complement the autumn color scheme. These shrubs not only provide visual interest but also serve as reliable additions to your landscape:
   • Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus): Known for its fiery red foliage in the fall, the burning bush creates a stunning contrast against greenery.
   • Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia): Oakleaf hydrangeas offer large, oak-like leaves that turn shades of burgundy and deep red in the fall.
   • Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica): Virginia sweetspire features graceful arching branches with vibrant red foliage in autumn.
   • Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana): Witch hazel provides fragrant yellow flowers in the fall and interesting seed pods that open explosively.
     
4. Ornamental Grasses: Ornamental grasses can add texture and movement to your commercial property’s landscaping. They are especially captivating during the fall when their plumes sway gracefully in the wind. Popular options include:
   • Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum): Switchgrass is native to the region and offers a variety of cultivars with different colors and sizes.
   • Maiden Grass (Miscanthus sinensis): Maiden grass provides feathery plumes and arching foliage, creating a soft, elegant look.

When planning your fall landscaping in the Mid-Atlantic region, consider combining these plants to create a diverse and vibrant display of autumn beauty. Whether you’re looking for fall-blooming flowers or striking foliage colors, there are plenty of options to choose from to make your outdoor space come alive with the essence of the season.

Other Ways to Enhance Commercial Properties with Landscaping

1. Seasonal Planters and Containers: Consider using large seasonal planters and containers filled with fall flowers and ornamental grasses. These can be placed strategically near entrances, parking lots, and patios to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
2. Landscape Lighting: As the days get shorter, invest in landscape lighting to highlight key features of your property. Well-placed lighting can accentuate trees, shrubs, and architectural elements, creating a welcoming ambiance during the evening hours.
3. Hardscape Enhancements: Autumn is an excellent time to assess and enhance hardscape elements like walkways, patios, and seating areas. Repairing or updating pavers, incorporating fall-themed decorations, and ensuring safe, well-maintained surfaces will enhance the overall aesthetics.
4. Outdoor Seating and Gathering Spaces: Create inviting outdoor seating areas where people can enjoy the crisp autumn air. Consider adding benches, tables, and comfortable seating arrangements amidst landscaped areas to encourage outdoor usage.
5. Water Features: If your property has water features like fountains or ponds, use autumn-themed decorations like floating candles or colored lights to draw attention to these elements. The combination of flowing water and fall scenery can create a tranquil and visually pleasing environment.
6. Sustainable Landscaping Practices: Showcase your commitment to sustainability by incorporating eco-friendly landscaping practices. This could involve planting native species, establishing rain gardens, and using water-efficient irrigation systems. Sustainable landscaping not only conserves resources but also contributes to a more eco-conscious image.
7. Regular Maintenance: Keep your property looking its best by maintaining it throughout the fall. Regular tasks like leaf removal, pruning, and mulching are essential to preserve the visual appeal of your landscaping.

In conclusion, the autumn season in Maryland and Washington DC provides an excellent opportunity for commercial property managers to enhance the beauty and charm of their properties. By embracing fall landscaping trends, integrating seasonal plants, and exploring various landscaping enhancements, you can create an appealing environment that captures the essence of the season. Whether it’s the striking foliage of trees and shrubs, the colorful blooms of fall flowers, or the thoughtful addition of decorative elements, your commercial property can truly shine during this enchanting time of the year, leaving a lasting impression on visitors, tenants, and clients alike.

If your commercial business is located in the Mid-Atlantic, contact Rasevic for a quote on professional landscaping that looks its best all year round.