What Should I Get Done To Take Care of My Property This Fall?
No matter where you live, the Fall season comes with a lot of prep work. Somewhere between leaves falling, the temperature dropping and the days getting shorter you are supposed to create a cozy oasis for holiday guests and, more importantly, to ride out the winter months. Here is a simple and easy to follow to-do list, complete with life-tips that will assist you in accomplishing it all.
Make Sure Your Home is Ready to Keep You Warm
Windows and doors can let in a lot of cold air, and drafts can cause your heating bill to rise. First, remove or seal air-conditioning units. Then you’ll also need to replace any old weather stripping.
Tip: Hold a lit candle near the seams of windows and doors. If the flame flickers, you probably have a drafty window.
Remember the Importance of Leaf Clearing
If you are blessed with a beautiful leafy tree than you know that with it comes great responsibility. It is critical to remove leaves from your deck to avoid rotting.
Tip: If you do not have a leaf blower, you can re position a house fan to move the leaves. The visual of that is great for your neighbors too!
Tip: Rake or blow your leaves onto a tarp or old sheet. Ask a neighbor to help you create a ‘leaf funnel’ to get the leaves into a bag, or pile the leaves in a corral to create nutrient-rich compost.
You will also need to clear out your gutters so that rain and snow melt can move freely through them.
Tip: If you are not down for going up ladders, a PVC pipe with a curved end onto a shop vac or leaf blower makes a great solution.
Prepare for the Summer Months
Although it seems too early, plants the bulbs you want for spring. When tulips appear in the spring, you will be glad you dug around in the cold earth.
Tips: Use a pair of old winter gloves and a serving spoon to keep your hands warm and out of the mud. Kneeling on a tarp or old blanket will save your knees too.
Trim back branches that may have overgrown during the summer. Cover any delicate plants or trees to protect them from heavy snow.
Tip: Take some time to tie up branches that you want to trim with bungee cords. This will ensure you only trim the branches you intend to chop and the scraps will all land in one area.
Decorate, Entertain and Enjoy the Beautiful Fall Season!
The fun part of preparing for fall is decorating. Bringing the outside inside is a great way to celebrate the harvest. Many porches become dressed with gourds of all shapes and sizes.
Tip: To keep your pumpkins and squash lasting longer, spray them with water and bleach mixture. This way you have beautiful fall foliage for Thanksgiving, and a jack-o-lantern for Halloween.