Fall Maintenance To-Do List
Fall is officially here and with weekends packed with activities, it can be easy to lose track of time and before you know it, it’s winter. Before that happens, it’s important to cross the important fall maintenance tasks off of your to-do list before the first freeze.
Not sure where to start? Here are the most important fall maintenance tasks to make sure your home is protected this winter.
10 Fall Maintenance Tasks
Shut Off Hoses & Bring In Hose Reel - When water freezes, it expands and can damage your hose, the spot, and the hose reel. To avoid any issues this winter, make sure to drain your hose and bring it indoors.
Clean Out Your Gutters - To avoid ice dams and to make sure water drains properly, clean out any debris in your gutters and unblock any leaves and yard waste that are blocking the downspout. Sick of cleaning your gutters all the time? Consider utilizing gutter guards!
Close Crawl Space Vents - While crawl space vents help keep you cool in the hot summer months, once winter rolls around you’ll start feeling cold air flowing through them from outside. Make sure you close them to keep cool air out and warm air in.
Seal Any Gaps That Critters Can Get In - Once it gets cold, small critters are going to look for warm shelter. To avoid having squirrels, mice, and the like enter your home or any other structures on your property, make sure any holes in the foundation or siding are closed up.
Care for Shrubs and Trees - Trim your perennials, pull out your annuals, and wrap any trees or bushes that need a little extra protection from the winter weather.
Rake Leaves - Spring grass growth can be hindered if you don’t rake up your leaves. Instead of throwing them in the woods, utilize them in your flower beds, they’ll act as insulators and provide extra nutrients.
Schedule Your Heating System Maintenance - Yearly maintenance of your heating system will make sure it’s in working order and help diagnose any small issues before they become big ones. Having your filters and furnace cleaned will also help prevent carbon monoxide from entering your home.
Blow Out Sprinklers - Avoid frozen pipes and major issues with your sprinkler system by blowing out the lines before turning off your system for the winter.
Bring Outdoor Furniture Inside - Keep your outdoor furniture, dining sets, and accessories clean and protected all winter long by bringing them inside. This will keep them looking pristine and lengthen their lifespan.
Hire a Plow Service - Instead of waiting until the snow starts falling to hire a plow service, get ahead of things and hire service now! You’ll be thankful when the first nor’easter of the season rolls through!