Fall Maintenance Checklist
The fall season is the prime time to prep you yard for the next growing season and to get your home ready for the colder months head. Besides cleaning up your lawn and bagging falling leaves, fall is a great time to plant trees and shrubs and to get your lawn healthy for the spring! It’s not only important to take care of your garden, but the exterior of your home too, in order to keep your home’s curb appeal in tip top shape. Here are our top tips for your home’s exterior maintenance:
1. Think about your Lawn
Fall is an important time to fertilize your grass. Fall fertilizing will keep your lawn healthy where growing seasons are long, and also keep your grass from turning brown.
The first thing to understand about fertilizer is the formula. Commonly, the formula is represented by three numbers like 5-10-5. These three numbers represent the amount of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium – all key ingredients that will promote cell function.
The end of October and early November is prime time to fertilize. At this time, look for an extra dose of phosphorous. This will stimulate root growth through November and even into December. Ensure that you spread fertilizer evenly with either a drop spreader or cyclone spreader. This tip will be key in encouraging your lawn to green-up quicker in the spring as it will be more resistant to disease and draught.
2. Feed Your Plants
After you feed your lawn, you’ll want to focus on spreading nutrients to your plants and shrubs. Look for a super phosphate fertilizer to cultivate your soil. This will make your plants stronger in the spring.
Often overlooked, it is imperative to fertilize the shrubs and trees in your plants too. This will help your roots develop strongly, and the dose of phosphate will help promote flower growth. If you are confused about what type of fertilizer formula to use, we suggest contacting your local garden center.
3. Plant Bulbs
You’ll want to plant spring early summer flowering bulbs in the fall in order to develop a root system. Bulbs require a cold temperate (between 40 and 50 degrees F) so October and November are the perfect time. Plan a time about six weeks in advance before the ground freezes. Remember, bulbs like sun and dislike water, so avoid planting these type of plants on a sunny hill where water can collect. Some bulbs to consider planting in the fall are crocus, daffodil, tulips, and Dutch Iris’.
While you are planting your bulbs, you may want to think about the needs of your veggie garden!
4. Clean Out your Gutters
Clean out your gutters in the fall in order to remove any leaves and debris that can be clogging and damaging your home. If your gutters are clogged, water will be unable to divert properly away from your home. Instead, rainwater will overflow and land on any plants, shrubs, or trees that are surrounding your home, ruining your planting efforts! Be sure to dump any debris from your gutters onto a large tarp so that is does not ruin your landscaping efforts. After cleaning your gutters, you may want to consider installing a gutter protection system, like LeafFilter, in order to protect your home from the damage of clogged gutters.
5. Pay Attention to your Windows
While you are up on your ladder cleaning out your gutters, this is the perfect time to take a look at your windows. Not only will you want to hand wash or power wash your windows, you’ll want to take a closer look at any cracks or leaks in your windows. If you notice any, take some time to seal them with caulk in order to prevent any air leaks. This will not only help your home stay warm and toasty, but help the longevity of your windows, too! And, you’ll enjoy a nice reduction in your energy bill!
6. Address Roof Issues
When cleaning out your gutters, you’ll want to inspect your roof for any issues. There is nothing worse than a leaky or damaged roof, and it is important to addresses these issues before they get worse. Plus, the winter weather will exacerbate any roofing issues you may have. If there are any damaged, missing, or curling shingles, now is the time to replace them. You may want to get a professional’s opinion for this step!
7. Do a Walk Around
While in your yard planting and fertilizing, check any walkways and damaged driveways for cracks. Cracks that are larger than 1/8 inch wide should be sealed. If not, moisture will get into the cracks and make them even worse in the winter time. These issues can become expensive if left neglected!
After completing this list of fall maintenance tips, your home is not only going to look great on the outside, but you’ll be preventing serious and costly damages to the exterior of your home. All it takes is a little bit of your time to inspect and address some frequent exterior home issues. Your home is sure to thank you in the spring after the big thaw!
