For many people, fall is their favorite time of year — but it can also be one of the busiest! Homeowners put a lot of effort into their landscaping and outdoor living spaces, and fall maintenance can go a long way to ensuring everything stays in good shape through the winter. Here are some key things to keep in mind.
A Robust Checklist
Every home is different — so start by creating your own fall to-do checklist specific to your property’s needs. Common fall maintenance tasks include draining outdoor faucets to prevent water freezing, removing leaves from gutters, putting away outdoor furniture, and fertilizing your lawn.
Re-Use the Leaves
Of course, leaf removal is one of the biggest to-do’s on any fall maintenance list. However, you can actually re-use the leaves by composting them. This can be done by running your lawn mower over dead, dried leaves. The residue can be used to create a nutrient-rich soil blend, or it can be added to your gardens and flowerbeds as mulch!
Leaf Disposal
If you have too many leaves to re-use, check with your local authorities to see if they offer local leaf pick-up, a community leaf drop-off, or other related services. This will also help you know if certain activities (like burning large leaf piles) are illegal in your area. Private companies may also be able to help with these services.
By accounting for leaf removal and other fall maintenance tasks, you can ensure that your property will be ready for whatever winter throws your way! Your home and landscaping will look beautiful all year long.