Autumn is now in full swing—the leaves are changing, the air is becoming a bit crisper, and temperatures are steadily dropping. This means having to do some extra work to take care of your house and yard, making sure both will last through the period of colder weather. Here’s a quick lists of crucial tasks you can knock out in a single weekend:
Clean Your Gutters
This is an absolute must-do before the winter comes. Debris and water left sitting in your gutters could freeze, causing backups and additional strain on the gutters. If you’re comfortable climbing a ladder, you can remove leaves and debris yourself using a garden trove or a kid’s plastic shovel and then flush out the gutters with a garden hose. However, if you’re noticing large leaks or a rotting fascia board, or your gutters are too high for you to reach yourself, it’s time to call in a professional.
Recycle Your Leaves
Did you know that the dying leaves littering your yard can make a high-quality mulch that can protect your plants through the winter? You just have to rake all of your leaves into a pile, use a leaf shredder (wearing protective equipment, of course) to grind them, and then spread the shredded leaves two to four inches deep around your plants.
Reseed Your Lawn
Autumn is the best time of year to aerate and reseed your lawn after the strain the summer weather put on it. Bear in mind that you’ll need top-notch soil to successfully reseed your lawn, and that taking soil samples might be necessary. Because it can be difficult to thoroughly cover your whole lawn, you might want to look into power seeding, where seeds are sewn into the ground.
Check Your Heating Units
If you have one unit that heats and cools your home, fall is a great time to do some HVAC maintenance before you switch the systems over. Regular HVAC maintenance can help you avoid unwelcome repair bills or higher-than-usual energy bills, and can prevent catastrophes. Be sure to check your heat pump, check the wiring and electrical connections, and replace your filters every 30 to 90 days.