Winter. It’s not one of my favorite things to think about. But I need to get over it! The leaves are falling, the temperatures are dropping, and before we know it, winter will be knocking on our doors. While the weather cooperates, it’s a great time to tackle those outdoor tasks before the first big freeze.
While it may seem easy to just forget about your yard until after winter, you’ll save yourself some work when spring rolls around. So, grab your jacket, enjoy the crisp fall air, and let’s get your outdoor spaces ready for those colder months ahead.
One Last Cleanup
You know all of those beautiful fall leaves that are falling to the ground? It’s time to clear them and pick up the branches. A thick layer of leaves can smother your grass over the next few months.
It’s also a good time to pull the last of the weeds and tidy up your garden beds. Your future spring self will thank you!
Show Your Lawn Some Love
Your lawn deserves some attention before going dormant for the winter. Continue mowing as needed until the grass stops growing but gradually lower the cutting height for the final mow. You don’t want to mow it too short. Fall is also a great time to aerate and treat your lawn with fertilizer.
Put Your Garden To Bed
Your flower beds and garden need a little TLC, too. Remove dead or diseased plants, cut back perennials, and if you’re planning on having the same garden down the road, it may be a good idea to lay a layer of mulch to help insulate plant roots through freezing temperatures. If you’re hoping to be welcomed to warm weather with colorful blooms…don’t forget to plant spring-flowering bulbs now, before the ground freezes.
Protect Your Outdoor Furniture
Patio season may be over, but your outdoor furniture still needs protection. Clean tables and chairs, let everything dry, and store cushions in a safe spot. If you have room in your garage or shed, move smaller pieces indoors. Otherwise, use weather-resistant covers for your furniture.
Don't Forget Your Hoses and Faucets
This is one outdoor task you don’t want to overlook! Disconnect garden hoses, drain them, and store them away for winter. Frozen water can cause pipes to burst, leading to expensive repairs.
If you have a sprinkler system, consider having it properly winterized before it’s too late.
Check Your Equipment
It's time to give summer gear a little break and get out the snowblower. Giving it a good check over to make sure it’s in good standing is smart. You don’t want to deal with any issues when the first big snowfall hits. This is also a good time to stock up on salt for your driveway.
Take One Last Look Around the House
Before heading inside for the season, walk around your home and look for anything that needs attention.
Check gutters for leaves and debris, inspect exterior caulking and weatherstripping, and look for loose siding or damaged screens.
You should also be sure your house is free of branches against your windows as that could pose risk during winter storms.
Getting your yard ready for winter might not be the most exciting thing to do on your fall to-do list, but it can make a big difference when the snow starts flying.
So, before you officially trade your gardening gloves for winter gloves, take one last lap around the yard. Doing so will help you avoid headaches later.
