This fall, you may find yourself in your first home, a new home or a home that you’ve been in for a number of years. If you’ve just moved in, chances are good that the previous owners did some tidying up before selling their home. If not, take a look at your home from the curb — does your driveway need sealing, windows need washing or the front door need painting? Fall is the perfect time for these tasks and more. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Care for your lawn — to help your lawn recover from summer stress and prepare for the upcoming winter, keep watering your lawn until the ground starts to freeze. Aerate your lawn to relieve compaction caused by foot traffic and create extra pore space in the soil, to allow air, nutrients and water to enter the soil. Over seeding in the fall can also help deliver a lush green spring lawn.
Refresh your landscape — Add trees, shrubs and other plants now. Because the soil is still warm from the summer, the roots will continue to develop until the ground freezes. In the spring, these plants will have developed root systems that are actively growing and ready to produce flowers and survive the hot summer months. Pruning and weed control in existing beds is essential for optimal spring display.
Inspect the trees on your property. Pruning regularly can greatly cut down on wind resistance which can damage trees. It also reduces the chance of damage to your home in a storm, as it removes branches that are too close to your house as well as dead or weak branches that could fall during severe weather.
Before you need to turn on the heat...Have the furnace inspected to ensure it’s in good working order and change your furnace filter. It is one of the easiest things you can do to keep your furnace in good shape. While you are at it, have the firebox and chimney professionally cleaned before lighting a fire this season. Creosote, a byproduct of wood burning, can build up to dangerous levels and cause a serious chimney fire if not removed.
Winterize your sprinkler system. Drain garden hoses and store them indoors to protect them from the elements. Shut off outdoor faucets and make sure exterior pipes are drained of water. Faucets and pipes can easily freeze and burst, causing leaks and potentially serious water damage.
Close the pool. Make sure your pool is properly shut down and prepare the system for winter. Fall is a good time to get pool work done if a problem is discovered. Pool contractors tend to get busy in the spring.
Clean the gutters. Avoid overflowing gutters and ice dams come winter by keeping you gutters free of debris.
Seal it up. Caulk and seal around exterior door and window frames. Look for gaps where pipes or wiring enter the home and caulk those as well. Not only does heat escape from these openings, but water can enter and may eventually cause mold problems and even structural damage.
Check the roof for missing or damaged shingles. Winter weather can cause serious damage to a vulnerable roof, leading to a greater chance of further damage inside the home. Check your gable vents, soffit and fascia as well — critters such as birds and squirrels would be delighted to spend the winter in your attic.
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