As summer winds down and cooler weather comes our way, you’ll want to get your backyard and home ready for the onset of rainy, cold, even icy days. There are plenty of things you can do to make sure your yard is on track for the fall and winter and ready to bounce back in the spring.
For the Yard
For the last few times that you mow your lawn this season, don’t rake the leaves before you do. Keep them there and mow over them. When the ground hardens, you’ll have that extra layer of mulch to keep your grass, flowers, and other plants fertilized in the winter months.
You may have heard that pruning trees and bushes should happen just after the leaves fall but save that task for late winter as trimming can cause a plant to start growing again. Just as spring begins is the ideal time for your trees to start a growth spurt so hold off on trimming until we’re over the hump of winter.
Once you’ve mowed for the last time this fall, follow the proper stowing instructions for your mower. Most manuals can tell you what you need to know about your specific brand but the main goal is to keep your mower cool and dry in a garage, barn, or shed. Do the same with other yard tools.
For Your Home
Get your heating unit a tune-up to make sure it’s ready to keep you warm and toasty as the temperatures drop. Check the seals around your windows and doors to ensure that the heat stays in your home and the cold stays out.
Inspect your roof for loose shingles or weak spots that should be fixed before the weather gets too dreary for outside work. Clean out the rain gutters of debris and ensure that the drainage is far enough away so that an intense rainstorm won’t flood your foundation.
This is also a great time to check necessary repairs that don’t exactly have to do with weather. Check for loose or broken rails or slats on your porch or deck and inspect your fence for signs of wear that might need to be fixed.
These aren’t the ONLY things you should do in the midst of the season change, but they are a few good pointers to start with. Our winters here in Georgia don’t get harsh enough to warrant much of a change in outdoor maintenance but these are great habits to have just in case a cold front comes our way.
For more backyard tips or questions about fencing needs, contact us today.
