As summer winds down along North Carolina’s beautiful coastal plains, it’s time to start preparing your landscape for fall. While the salt air, sandy soil, and mild autumns of the coast create a unique growing environment, they also offer great opportunities for a thriving, low-maintenance landscape well into the cooler months.

Whether you’re tending a small garden or managing a spacious yard, a few smart steps now will keep your outdoor spaces healthy, vibrant, and ready for both fall color and spring growth.

1. Start with a Clean Slate: Late-Summer Cleanup

Begin by removing spent summer annuals, weeds, and any plant debris that can harbor pests or diseases. Prune back overgrown shrubs (but avoid heavy cuts on spring-blooming varieties, which set buds in fall). Cut back perennials that have finished blooming, and deadhead flowering plants to encourage one last flush of color.

Pro tip: Keep an eye out for signs of fungus or mildew—warm, humid conditions on the coast can create lingering disease pressure.

2. Feed Your Soil: Fertilize & Amend

Fall is prime time for soil health. Sandy coastal soils typically drain well but can be nutrient-poor. Now’s the time to:

• Test your soil to check pH and nutrient levels.

• Apply a slow-release balanced fertilizer to strengthen root systems.

• Add organic matter like compost, leaf mulch, or pine straw to improve texture and moisture retention.

For centipede or St. Augustine lawns common in this region, avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers in fall—they can promote growth at the wrong time and invite disease. Use a low-nitrogen, high-potassium formula to prepare grass for winter.

3. Plant for Fall and Spring Impact

North Carolina’s coastal climate gives you more flexibility than inland zones. Take advantage by:

• Planting cool-season annuals like pansies, violas, snapdragons, and ornamental kale.

• Dividing and transplanting perennials like daylilies, hostas, and irises.

• Seeding cool-season grasses (like fescue) if you’re transitioning away from warm-season turf.

• Adding trees and shrubs – fall planting allows roots to establish before the heat returns.

Don’t forget fall vegetables: Coastal gardeners can enjoy crops like collards, lettuce, broccoli, carrots, and radishes well into the season.

4. Mulch Wisely

Fresh mulch helps conserve moisture, protect roots from temperature swings, and suppress weeds. Choose pine straw, shredded bark, or composted leaves—materials that break down naturally and suit coastal soil. Keep mulch 2–3 inches thick and pull it back from plant crowns and tree trunks to avoid rot.

5. Water with Intention

Even as temperatures drop, plants still need water. Keep a consistent watering schedule, especially for new plantings. Coastal breezes and sandy soil can dry things out quickly. Early mornings are best to avoid mildew and ensure efficient absorption.

6. Watch the Weather: Hurricane Readiness

Fall is still hurricane season. Before storms roll in:

• Stake or prune vulnerable trees and shrubs.

• Secure containers and garden structures.

• Check drainage—make sure gutters, downspouts, and landscape beds can handle heavy rain.

Proper grading and planting away from your home’s foundation can prevent flooding and erosion.

Final Thoughts

Autumn on the North Carolina coast is a beautiful, productive time for gardeners and homeowners alike. With a bit of prep now, your landscape can thrive through fall and come back even stronger in spring. Whether you’re planting fresh flowers, tidying up your beds, or simply soaking in those golden-hour views—take pride in knowing you’re keeping your slice of coastal paradise looking its best.