As the summer sun begins to wane and the crisp air of autumn approaches, it’s time to shift your focus towards preparing your outdoor living space for the changing seasons. September is the perfect month to tackle essential outdoor home maintenance tasks that will ensure your property remains in top shape. Here’s a comprehensive checklist to guide you through the process:
1. Lawn care:
Give your lawn some TLC by aerating the soil to promote healthy root growth and water absorption. Continue to mow the grass, gradually lowering the mower blade as the growth slows down. Prune overgrown shrubs and trees to prepare for the colder months.
2. Garden cleanup
Clear out spent summer plants, weeds, and debris from your garden beds. Consider planting fall-blooming flowers and cool-season vegetables like lettuce, kale, and broccoli. Mulch your garden beds to insulate plants’ roots and deter weed growth.
3. Gutter and downspout outdoor maintenance:
Inspect and clean your gutters and downspouts to prevent clogs from fallen leaves and debris. Proper drainage is essential to avoid water damage to your home’s foundation and exterior. Consider installing gutter guards to minimize debris buildup and simplify future maintenance. Lack of home maintenance is not covered by insurance.
4. Patio and deck outdoor maintenance:
Spend some time cleaning and inspecting your outdoor entertainment areas. Sweep away dirt and leaves, and wash the surfaces using appropriate cleaning solutions. If you have a wooden deck, check for any loose boards or nails that need tightening. Apply a fresh coat of sealant or stain to protect the wood from winter moisture and harsh weather. If you are looking to get your deck taken care of before winter find the cleaner at your local Sherwin-Williams store.
5. Outdoor furniture storage:
Equally important, make sure to clean and thoroughly dry your outdoor furniture before storing it. Store cushions indoors to prevent mold and mildew growth. If you lack indoor storage space, invest in weather-resistant covers to shield your furniture from rain, snow, and UV rays.
6. Exterior maintenance:
Walk around your home’s exterior and inspect for any cracks, gaps, or damage in the siding, foundation, and caulking. Address these issues promptly to prevent water intrusion and energy loss. In addition, check for peeling paint and consider repainting areas that require attention before winter weather sets in.
7. Winterize outdoor water features
If you have a fountain, pond, or other water features, now is the time to prepare them for colder temperatures. Clean and drain water features, disconnect pumps, and cover them to protect them from freezing temperatures. Additionally, make sure to disconnect the hose from the faucet before freezing to make sure there isn’t a leak before it’s too late.
8. Store summer tools and equipment
Lastly, organize and store summer tools such as lawnmowers, trimmers, and hoses in a dry and sheltered location. In addition, drain fuel from gas-powered equipment to prevent damage from stale fuel during storage. Find this shed here.
September offers a prime opportunity to ready your outdoor space for the upcoming fall and winter months. With all things considered by diligently completing these essential outdoor home maintenance tasks, you’ll ensure that your property remains in great condition while also making the transition to colder weather more seamless and enjoyable. Your efforts now will help you enjoy a beautiful and functional outdoor space throughout the changing seasons. If you ever have any question, please reach out to us.
