Now is the perfect time to perk up your landscape. With these simple changes, you'll enjoy your yard's refreshed look. Plus, you're making a makeover investment in a better-looking yard next spring and for years to come.

GREEN UP YOUR LAWN Revitalize your lawn so it will look better now and come back stronger and lusher next spring. Fall lawn maintenance services (available through any lawn service) include aerating compacted soil under the turf, fertilizing to promote strong root growth and seeding or sodding areas that are worn down from summer use. You also can bulk up your existing turf by overseeding.

CREATE PRIVACY Enjoy a secret garden in your own backyard with a wall of living green. Add a row of tall-growing shrubs at the edge of your patio or outdoor living space to create instant privacy. Columnar shrub species such as arborvitae, Tall hedge and boxwood are great options.

USE THE BOUNTY OF THE SEASON Autumn offers abundant natural decorating materials such as pumpkins, Indian corn, cornstalks and gourds. Create still-life vignettes around your yard–or on the front porch or entryway as a greeting for guests– with a combination of flowering plants and garden produce.

PLANT A TREE Create a focal point in your yard or patio garden by planting a tree. Think of it as an investment in shade (and lower cooling costs inside your home). Choose a tree as mature as you can afford, but one that fits the planting spot. Tree-planting services can drop one into your lawn or garden area with minimal mess and instant results.

TIDY UP WITH MULCH Nothing neatens up a garden landscape faster than mulching beds and borders and around trees, shrubs and flowers. Plus, a fall mulching adds winter protection to your plantings by helping keep the ground temperature more even.

INSTALL A PATIO OR DECK Add hardscaping elements such as a brick or stone patio or maintenance-free decking to your yard. A fall project will have a season to settle in before your spring garden and lawn grow in around it, making it look like it was always part of the yard plan.