You’ve probably spent all summer enjoying and caring for your lawn and yard, especially as this year, because of the coronavirus pandemic, you’ve probably been spending more time at home. Now that the temperatures are falling, as soon as the cold weather sets in, you want to make sure that all of your hard work is not wasted.
So take advantage of a sunny late fall day and complete these fall yard tasks to ensure your lawn, garden, and outdoor entertainment areas survive the harsh temperatures and are ready to burgeon beautifully come spring, especially if you are considering selling your Waterloo Region home in the near future.
Repair Damaged Outdoor Features
Repair any cracked steps, walkways, or driveways before the weather becomes icy. If these essential fall yard tasks are skipped, damaged areas could deteriorate over the winter and lead to unsafe conditions for your friends and family. If you notice splintering on your deck, you should treat it and seal it properly before the colder months set in.
Dry laid flagstones that have become wobbly or that have settled creating a puddle/trip hazard should be lifted out of place, and re-leveled using stone dust or decomposed granite/quarry fines as the re-leveling agent. Pry the flagstone up with a pry tool, smooth out the stone dust using a square finishing trowel, and re-seat the flagstone into place with a dead blow mallet.
Tighten Railings Too
When repairing walkways and steps, take some extra time to tighten your railing bolts. Loose railings can cause unnecessary accidents and injuries. Similarly, be sure your fixtures, shutters, and other outdoor features are securely in place and able to withstand the stress of winter storms.
Pack Away the Patio Furniture
Before winter arrives, make sure to wash your patio furniture and other outdoor furnishings. Then store these items according to the manufacturer’s directions and cover any pieces that you do not fit in your garage or shed. In order to ensure they do not fly away or become worn and brittle, lightweight furniture such as plastic chairs should be stored safely too.
Winterize Your Lawn
One of the most important fall yard tasks is to aerate and reseed your lawn. A healthy late fall lawn will ensure lush spring landscaping and help you avoid unsightly bare spots during the colder months. As an extra measure, be sure to add winter fertilizer to the lawn to ensure that roots penetrate your soil.
Trim Branches
As you check your landscape, be sure to inspect trees and shrubs. Remove dead limbs that could fall during inclement weather. Additionally, be sure that you clear away branches near power lines or other property features.
Mulch Leaves
A thick layer of leaves can suffocate the grass below. If you don’t choose to rake and compost your fall leaves, you could mulch them using a mulching mower. If you have rose bushes or other perennials that require some insulation, you can also use leaves to layer around the bases of these plants.
Screen Plants
Be sure to protect your perennials from the nibbling of wintertime creatures, as well as young trees. To protect them better during the long winter, you can encircle plants with chicken wire. To prevent animals from destroying young trees and shrubs, you can also use commercially made tree guards.